bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Gel Products in Alkali-Activated Fly Ash-Based Composites Incorporating Inorganic Calcium Additives
Authors: Wang Haoyu , Zhao Xianhui , Wang Ting , Su Lei , Zhou Boyu , Lin Yonghui
Published: February 2022

The introduction of soluble calcium additives contributes to forming calcium-containing geopolymer (N,C)-A-S-H and/or calcium (alumino)silicate hydration C-(A)-S-H in alkali-activated fly ash-based composites (AAFCs). However, the quantitative determination of the final gel product has yet been unclear due to the different chemical components, which influences the prediction of mechanical strength and microstructure. This study aims to propose a method to clarify the gel products in AAFCs by the critical elemental compositions in gel products. Furthermore, the AAFCs were prepared (by casting method) using soda residue (SR) as the calcium additive, fly ash as the aluminosilicate precursor, and sodium silicate solution as the alkaline activator. The compressive strengths of the AAFCs with different SR contents were recorded. The microstructures and gel products of AAFCs were detected through scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and 29Si nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (29Si NMR). Finally, the proposed determination method was verified with the experimental results. The new proposed quantitative method refers to a limit value of 2Ca/Al = 1.00 about the critical chemical elements in gel products, which helps to determine the calcium-containing geopolymer (N,C)-A-S-H or/and calcium (alumino)silicate hydration C-(A)-S-H in stable AAFCs. Results show that the gel products are determined as single (N,C)-A-S-H gels when 2Ca/Al is lower than 1.00; meanwhile, (N,C)-A-S-H and C-(A)-S-H gels coexist when 2Ca/Al is higher than 1.00 by the above proposed quantitative determination method. Furthermore, it works that the industrial solid waste SRs regarded as calcium additive are applied in the AAFCs to verify the gel products by 2Ca/Al = 1.00 as the limit value. The results provide the theoretical and experimental basis for the performance prediction and microstructural determination.
The Pharmacological Activities of Crocus sativus L.: A Review Based on the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities of its Phytoconstituents
Authors: Butnariu Monica , Quispe Cristina , Herrera-Bravo Jesús , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Singh Laxman , Aborehab Nora M. , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Venditti Alessandro , Sen Surjit , Acharya Krishnendu , Bashiry Moein , Ezzat Shahira M. , Setzer William N. , Martorell Miquel , Mileski Ksenija S. , Bagiu Iulia-Cristina , Docea Anca Oana , Calina Daniela , Cho William C.
Published: February 2022

Crocus species are mainly distributed in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, and Western Asia, used in gardens and parks as ornamental plants, while Crocus sativus L. (saffron) is the only species that is cultivated for edible purpose. The use of saffron is very ancient; besides the use as a spice, saffron has long been known also for its medical and coloring qualities. Due to its distinctive flavor and color, it is used as a spice, which imparts food preservative activity owing to its antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. This updated review discusses the biological properties of Crocus sativus L. and its phytoconstituents, their pharmacological activities, signaling pathways, and molecular targets, therefore highlighting it as a potential herbal medicine. Clinical studies regarding its pharmacologic potential in clinical therapeutics and toxicity studies were also reviewed. For this updated review, a search was performed in the PubMed, Science, and Google Scholar databases using keywords related to Crocus sativus L. and the biological properties of its phytoconstituents. From this search, only the relevant works were selected. The phytochemistry of the most important bioactive compounds in Crocus sativus L. such as crocin, crocetin, picrocrocin, and safranal and also dozens of other compounds was studied and identified by various physicochemical methods. Isolated compounds and various extracts have proven their pharmacological efficacy at the molecular level and signaling pathways both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, toxicity studies and clinical trials were analyzed. The research results highlighted the various pharmacological potentials such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, cytotoxic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, and antihyperglycemic properties and protector of retinal lesions. Due to its antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, saffron has proven effective as a natural food preservative. Starting from the traditional uses for the treatment of several diseases, the bioactive compounds of Crocus sativus L. have proven their effectiveness in modern pharmacological research. However, pharmacological studies are needed in the future to identify new mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetic studies, new pharmaceutical formulations for target transport, and possible interaction with allopathic drugs.
Neoantigen: A Promising Target for the Immunotherapy of Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zheng Yue , Fu Yang , Wang Pei-Pei , Ding Zhen-Yu
Published: February 2022

At present, there are various treatment strategies for colorectal cancer, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapy. In recent years, with the continuous development of immunotherapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can significantly improve the treatment of advanced colorectal cancer patients with high levels of microsatellite instability. In addition to ICIs, neoantigens, as a class of tumor-specific antigens (TSA), are regarded as new immunotherapy targets for many cancer species and are being explored for antitumor therapy. Immunotherapy strategies based on neoantigens include tumor vaccines and adoptive cell therapy (ACT). These methods aim to eliminate tumor cells by enhancing the immune response of host T-cells to neoantigens. In addition, for MSS colorectal cancer, such “cold tumors” with low mutation rates and stable microsatellites are not sensitive to ICIs, whereas neoantigens could provide a promising immunotherapeutic avenue. In this review, we summarized the current status of colorectal cancer neoantigen prediction and current clinical trials of neoantigens and discussed the difficulties and limitations of neoantigens-based therapies for the treatment of CRC.
A Comparative Analysis of the Fractional‐Order Coupled Korteweg–De Vries Equations with the Mittag–Leffler Law
Authors: Aljahdaly Noufe H. , Akgül Ali , Shah Rasool , Mahariq Ibrahim , Kafle Jeevan
Published: February 2022

This article applies efficient methods, namely, modified decomposition method and new iterative transformation method, to analyze a nonlinear system of Korteweg–de Vries equations with the Atangana–Baleanu fractional derivative. The nonlinear fractional coupled systems investigated in this current analysis are the system of Korteweg–de Vries and the modified system of Korteweg–de Vries equations applied as a model in nonlinear physical phenomena arising in chemistry, biology, physics, and applied sciences. Approximate analytical results are represented in the form of a series with straightforward components, and some aspects showed an appropriate dependence on the values of the fractional‐order derivatives. The convergence and uniqueness analysis is carried out. To comprehend the analytical procedure of both methods, three test examples are provided for the analytical results of the time‐fractional KdV equation. Additionally, the efficiency of the mentioned procedures and the reduction in calculations provide broader applicability. It is also illustrated that the findings of the current methodology are in close harmony with the exact solutions. The series result achieved applying this technique is proved to be accurate and reliable with minimal calculations. The numerical simulations for obtained solutions are discussed for different values of the fractional order.
Assessing the Influence Level of Food Safety Public Opinion with Unbalanced Samples Using Ensemble Machine Learning
Authors: Song Bo , Shang Kefan , He Junliang , Yan Wei
Published: February 2022

Assessing the public opinion on food safety events constitutes an important job of government regulators. To optimize the government’s management of food safety affairs, a promising way is to use artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency of food safety public opinion assessment. In this paper, we model the assessment of public opinion influence as a text classification task. The whole model adopts the ensemble learning framework, and it integrates naive Bayes, support vector machine, extreme gradient boosting, convolutional neural network, long- and short-term memory network, FastText, and BERT classification methods into the framework to form an ensemble learner. The ensemble learner is able to classify textual public opinion into high, medium, and low influence levels by learning from the samples assessed by human experts. To overcome the problem of unbalanced samples, we propose a sample generation method consisting of synonym replacement and semantic filtering to increase the number of high-influence samples. Real public opinion data collected from the Food Safety Department of the Chinese government are used for experiment. Extensive comparison of the proposed method with baseline methods proves the effectiveness of the ensemble learner and the sample generation steps.
Automated Cardioailment Identification and Prevention by Hybrid Machine Learning Models
Authors: Archana K. S. , Sivakumar B. , Kuppusamy Ramya , Teekaraman Yuvaraja , Radhakrishnan Arun
Published: February 2022

Accurate prediction of cardiovascular disease is necessary and considered to be a difficult attempt to treat a patient effectively before a heart attack occurs. According to recent studies, heart disease is said to be one of the leading origins of death worldwide. Early identification of CHD can assist to reduce death rates. When it comes to prediction using traditional methodologies, the difficulty arises in the intricacy of the data and relationships. This research is aimed at applying recent machine learning technology to identify heart disease from past medical data to uncover correlations in data that can greatly improve the accuracy of prediction rates using various machine learning models. Models have been implemented using naive Bayes, random forest algorithms, and the combinations of two models such as naive Bayes and random forest methods. These methods offer numerous attributes associated with heart disease. This proposed system foresees the chance of rising heart disease. The proposed system uses 14 parameters such as age, sex, quick blood sugar, chest discomfort, and other medical parameters which are used in the proposed system. Our proposed systems find the probability of developing heart disease in percentages as well as the accuracy level (accuracy of 93%). Finally, this proposed method will support the doctors to analyze the heart patients competently.
Effect of Shade on Agro-Morphological Parameters and Weed Flora of Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Cultivation in the Semiarid Zone of Eastern Morocco
Authors: Mzabri Ibtissam , Rimani Maria , Charif Khadija , Kouddane Noureddine , Berrichi Abdelbasset
Published: February 2022

Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been an important medicinal plant since ancient times. This study aimed to seek the optimal light intensity for saffron growth by quantifying the effects of different shade levels on yield, vegetative growth, and weed development in the eastern region of Morocco. The plants were grown for 24 months in full sun (control) and 30%, 50%, and 70% shade. Overall, the results showed that shade positively affected the yield and vegetative growth parameters of saffron plants, with the highest yield (0.61 g/m2) and number of leaves (105 leaves/tuft) recorded when the plants were exposed to light shade (30%). The color of the leaves under the 70% shade levels was dark green. The results from the underground part showed that shade is positively correlated with the weight and diameter of daughter corms where the 70% shade recorded the highest values of weight (65 g) and percentage of large diameter corms (39%). As for weed density, this parameter was significantly affected by shade. The lowest weed density was recorded for the 70% shade treatment. In conclusion, 30% shade is suggested as optimal light irradiation for saffron cultivation.
Plasmapheresis for Extrapontine Myelinolysis: A Case Series and a Literature Review
Authors: Wijesundara Devasmitha , Senanayake Bimsara
Published: February 2022

Central pontine myelinolysis (CPM) and extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) are syndromes of osmotic demyelination attributed to the rapid correction of hyponatraemia. Isolated EPM is a rare clinical entity which poses a significant diagnostic challenge especially in the absence of a rapid rise in sodium. Typical MRI findings aid in the diagnosis. Treatment for established osmotic demyelination syndrome (ODS) is nonstandardized and the prognosis is considered poor. Therefore, different strategies including plasmapheresis (TPE), immunoglobulins (IVIG), and steroids have been used. We present our findings from a series of successfully treated patients at a high-volume tertiary care center in Sri Lanka, with an appraisal of available literature. A total of 21 patients with established ODS are analyzed here, including 5 cases of EPM managed by the authors over a 2-year period. Thirteen (40.2%) patients were treated with plasmapheresis alone, 6 (28.5%) received dual therapy (TPE + IVIG or steroids) and 2 (9.5%) received triple therapy (TPE + IVIG + steroids). There was complete or near complete response in 18 (85.7%) and complete response in 10 (47.6%) patients. We conclude that although the management of CPM/EPM is largely symptomatic, patients may show a significant response to immunomodulatory therapy. The marked improvement in motor, cognitive, and functional domains supports an immune basis for osmotic demyelination. Plasmapheresis, in particular, leads to favorable outcomes in ODS which is supported by previously published case reports. We propose its utility as standard treatment.
Application of the Statistical Method to Convert Published PASI 50/75/90/100 into Absolute PASI Response Rate in Patients with Moderate-to-Severe Plaque Psoriasis Treated with Tildrakizumab Based on Data from the Two Pivotal Phase 3 Studies reSURFACE 1 and reSURFACE 2
Authors: Dykukha Igor , Schoenenberger Andreu , Kasujee Ismail , Mrowietz Ulrich , Vonthein Reinhard
Published: February 2022

Background: Absolute Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) is a key endpoint in psoriasis management. Petto et al. [Pharm Stat. 2019;18(1):4–21] developed a statistical method to estimate the proportion of patients reaching absolute PASI response given baseline PASI score and proportion of patients achieving relative improvements at predefined time points. Objectives: To test this method on clinical data from two phase 3 tildrakizumab trials (reSURFACE 1/2) comparing estimated absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 responses with reference responses from clinical databases. Methods: Reference PASI responses of ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 were extracted from clinical databases. Estimation of absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 response rates at week (W) 12 and W28 by treatment and trial were performed. Differences between estimated and reference responses were analysed. Bland-Atman limits of agreement and Passing-Bablok regression to assess variations between estimated and reference responses were performed. Results: Differences between estimated and reference absolute PASI ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 responses at W12 and W28 by treatment and trial were of little clinical relevance with an overall mean difference in PASI response proportion of −2.2% (e.g., for the tildrakizumab 100-mg arm, original proportions of patients achieving PASI of ≤1/≤2/≤3/≤5 at W28 were 38.5%/52.2%/63.5%/73.9% and 39.8%/54.8%/63.6%/76.9% [reSURFACE 1 and 2, respectively] vs. estimated proportions of 33.2%/49.8%/62.5%/78.3% and 34.3%/51.6%/64.5%/79.9%). Limits of agreement were −7.1% to 1.4% at W12 and –6.8% to 4.3% at W28. Scatterplots revealed linearity that stood the cusum test in Passing-Bablok regression with slope 1.14 (95% confidence intervals: 1.06 to 1.20). Conclusion: Good estimates of absolute PASI response rates were achieved with the application of the statistical method to tildrakizumab data reported in the phase 3 studies, in particular in the verum study arms. Our data support the method provided by Petto et al. [2019] to estimate proportions of psoriasis patients reaching absolute PASI value thresholds using relative PASI improvements.
Matrix-Bound Nanovesicles: What Are They and What Do They Do?
Authors: Piening Logan M. , Wachs Rebecca A.
Published: February 2022

Over the past 50 years, several different types of extracellular vesicles have been discovered including exosomes, microvesicles, and matrix vesicles. These vesicles are secreted by cells for specific purposes and contain cargo such as microRNA, cytokines, and lipids. A novel extracellular vesicle, the matrix-bound nanovesicle (MBV), has been recently discovered. The MBV is similar to the microvesicle, however, it is attached to the extracellular matrix, instead of being secreted. This review compares MBVs to other types of extracellular vesicles to try and better understand their origin and function. Further, this review will explain various extracellular vesicle isolation methods and how these can be used for MBVs and summarize characterization of MBV cargo such as microRNA, proteins, and lipids. Lastly, we will summarize the effects of MBVs on cells. MBVs are a novel class of extracellular vesicles that hold great promise as a platform for delivery of targeted gene and drug therapeutics.
Elevated MCU Expression by CaMKIIδB Limits Pathological Cardiac Remodeling
Authors: Wang Pei , Xu Shangcheng , Xu Jiqian , Xin Yanguo , Lu Yan , Zhang Huiliang , Zhou Bo , Xu Haodong , Sheu Shey-Shing , Tian Rong , Wang Wang
Published: February 2022

Background:

Calcium (Ca
2+
) is a key regulator of energy metabolism. Impaired Ca
2+
homeostasis damages mitochondria, causing cardiomyocyte death, pathological hypertrophy, and heart failure. This study investigates the regulation and the role of the mitochondrial Ca
2+
uniporter (MCU) in chronic stress-induced pathological cardiac remodeling.

Methods:

MCU knockout or transgenic mice were infused with isoproterenol (ISO; 10 mg/kg per day, 4 weeks). Cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling were evaluated by echocardiography and histology. Primary cultured rodent adult cardiomyocytes were treated with ISO (1 nmol/L, 48 hours). Intracellular Ca
2+
handling and cell death pathways were monitored. Adenovirus-mediated gene manipulations were used in vitro.

Results:

Chronic administration of the β-adrenergic receptor agonist ISO increased the levels of the MCU and the MCU complex in cardiac mitochondria, raising mitochondrial Ca
2+
concentrations, in vivo and in vitro. ISO also upregulated MCU without affecting its regulatory proteins in adult cardiomyocytes. It is interesting that ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, contractile dysfunction, and cardiomyocyte death were exacerbated in global MCU knockout mice. Cardiomyocytes from knockout mice or overexpressing a dominant negative MCU exhibited defective intracellular Ca
2+
handling and activation of multiple cell death pathways. Conversely, cardiac-specific overexpression of MCU maintained intracellular Ca
2+
homeostasis and contractility, suppressed cell death, and prevented ISO-induced heart hypertrophy. ISO upregulated MCU expression through activation of Ca
2+
/calmodulin kinase II δB (CaMKIIδB) and promotion of its nuclear translocation via calcineurin-mediated dephosphorylation at serine 332. Nuclear CaMKIIδB phosphorylated CREB (cAMP-response element binding protein), which bound the
Mcu
promoter to enhance
Mcu
gene transcription.

Conclusions:

The β-adrenergic receptor/CaMKIIδB/CREB pathway upregulates
Mcu
gene expression in the heart. MCU upregulation is a compensatory mechanism that counteracts stress-induced pathological cardiac remodeling by preserving Ca
2+
homeostasis and cardiomyocyte viability.
Comparative Effectiveness of Carotid Stenting to Medical Therapy Among Patients With Asymptomatic Carotid Stenosis
Authors: Keyhani Salomeh , Cheng Eric M. , Hoggatt Katherine , Austin Peter C. , Madden Erin , Hebert Paul L. , Halm Ethan A. , Naseri Ayman , Johanning Jason , Abraham Ann , Bravata Dawn M.
Published: February 2022

Background:

No completed trials have compared carotid artery stenting (CAS) to medical therapy (MT). We examined the effectiveness of CAS compared with MT in patients with asymptomatic carotid stenosis.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 219 979 Veterans ≥65 years who received carotid imaging for asymptomatic carotid stenosis between 2005 and 2009 in the US Veterans Health Administration. We constructed a sample of patients who received MT (n=2509) and comparable patients who received CAS (n=551) and followed them for 5 years. Using target trial methodology, we computed weighted Kaplan-Meier curves and estimated the risk of fatal and nonfatal stroke in each group over 5 years of follow-up. We also estimated the cumulative incidence functions for fatal and nonfatal stroke accounting for nonstroke deaths as competing risks.

Results:

Five hundred fifty-one patients received CAS, and 2509 patients received MT. The observed rate of stroke or death (perioperative complications) within 30 days in the CAS arm was 2.2%. Using the target trial methodology, the 5-year risk of fatal and nonfatal stroke was similar among patients assigned to CAS (6.9%) compared with patients assigned to MT (7.1%; risk difference, −0.1% [95% CI, −2.6% to 2.7%]). In an analysis that incorporated the competing risk of death, the risk difference between the two arms remained nonsignificant (risk difference, −1.5% [95% CI, −3.0% to 0.3%]).

Conclusions:

In this sample of older male adults, we found no difference between MT and CAS in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid stenosis. Future studies in other settings are needed to confirm these findings.
Provenance documentation to enable explainable and trustworthy AI: A literature review
Authors: Kale Amruta , Nguyen Tin , Harris Frederick C. , Li Chenhao , Zhang Jiyin , Ma Xiaogang
Published: February 2022

Recently artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) models have demonstrated remarkable progress with applications developed in various domains. It is also increasingly discussed that AI and ML models and applications should be transparent, explainable, and trustworthy. Accordingly, the field of Explainable AI (XAI) is expanding rapidly. XAI holds substantial promise for improving trust and transparency in AI-based systems by explaining how complex models such as the deep neural network (DNN) produces their outcomes. Moreover, many researchers and practitioners consider that using provenance to explain these complex models will help improve transparency in AI-based systems. In this paper, we conduct a systematic literature review of provenance, XAI, and trustworthy AI (TAI) to explain the fundamental concepts and illustrate the potential of using provenance as a medium to help accomplish explainability in AI-based systems. Moreover, we also discuss the patterns of recent developments in this area and offer a vision for research in the near future. We hope this literature review will serve as a starting point for scholars and practitioners interested in learning about essential components of provenance, XAI, and TAI.
Jubilee Debt Cancellation and Luke’s Gospel
Authors: Luthy Christopher J.
Published: February 2022

This study questions the argument that references to debt in Luke’s gospel (particularly Luke 6:34–36; 7:36–50; 11:2–4; and 16:1–9) should be viewed in relation to the biblical Jubilee. After a survey of Jubilee debt cancellation in the Old Testament and Second Temple literature, it is concluded that debt cancellation and the Jubilee were usually understood to be separate concepts. It is then argued that this is consistent with how debt texts in Luke’s gospel are presented; there are no words or syntactical patterns which suggest reliance on Jubilee traditions. Finally, it is argued that the concept of debt in Luke’s gospel served a variety of purposes, none of which need to be viewed in reference to the Jubilee.
Marx America Gramsci Again: Understanding Trumpism through Bonapartism and Caesarism
Authors: Meckler Jeremy
Published: February 2022

In The Eighteenth Brumaire Karl Marx uses the concept of “Bonapartism” to explain the success of the “grotesque mediocrity” Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, emphasizing the farcical connection between Louis-Napoléon and his famous uncle. Antonio Gramsci reformulates this concept as “Caesarism” to describe Benito Mussolini’s rise to power, linking Mussolini’s regressive utopianism to the Roman Empire and emphasizing the mythic nature of such rhetorical strategies. Gramsci complicates and expands Marx’s Bonapartism, making it more useful for understanding Trumpism’s tactics. Make America Great Again calls for a return to a mythic glory based on nostalgia for an imagined era, and the events of January 6 demonstrate how this ideology can be weaponized. Through a close reading of Marx and Gramsci’s formulations, this paper develops a structural understanding of the necessary preconditions for Trumpist populism, but also understands Trumpism’s origins as evidence of a revolutionary mass sentiment that could be channeled in progressive directions.
Description of the complete larval development of Lysmata amboinensis (De Man) (Decapoda: Lysmatidae) reared under laboratory conditions
Authors: DE SOUSA LÍGIA F. , MARQUES DANIEL , LEANDRO SÉRGIO MIGUEL , SANTOS ANTONINA DOS
Published: February 2022

Complete larval morphological descriptions are currently only known for three of the 48 species of genus Lysmata. The present study describes and illustrates the larval development of Lysmata amboinensis (De Man) reared under laboratory conditions. Lysmata amboinensis larval development is composed by a total of ten zoea and a decapodite stage.
                The first zoeal stage larvae presents sessile eyes, a carapace with a pterigostomial spine and anterio-ventral marginal denticles, a long, slender, and pointed rostrum, an antennal exopod terminally articled, a pleon with five somites, the fifth one bearing a pair of dorso-lateral spines on the posterior margin, and a triangular shaped telson with 7+7 posterior processes. The decapodite resembles a smaller adult and has extremely long antennas (more than twice the total length of the decapodite), the first two pair of pereiopods with chela, first four pairs of pereiopods with reduced and entire exopods, and fully developed pleopods.
                The morphological features of L. amboinensis are compared with those currently available for the larval stage of the genus Lysmata.
Use of advance directives to promote supported decision-making in mental health care: Implications of international trends for reform in New Zealand
Authors: Lenagh-Glue Jessie , Dawson John , Potiki Johnnie , O’Brien Anthony J , Thom Katey , Casey Heather , Glue Paul
Published: February 2022

Advance directives are advocated, in many jurisdictions, as a way to promote supported decision-making for people who use mental health services and to promote countries’ compliance with their obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities promotes the use of tools to further personal autonomy which would include integrating the use of advance directives into mental health law, to clarify the effect (or force) an advance directive carries when its maker comes under the relevant mental health legislation. In addition, securing the active use of advance directives requires adoption of certain supportive practices and policies within health services. Here, we discuss a number of approaches taken to advance directives in revised mental health legislation, and the associated practices we think are required.
Preparation of ring-shaped frequency selective fabrics and analysis of electromagnetic transmission characteristics
Authors: Guan Fuwang , Xue Kun , Li Jiashuang , Li Dan , Yang Zhuli , You Zhichang , Li Zhaole , Lei Yutian
Published: February 2022

In order to explore the feasibility of preparing frequency selective fabrics by computer embroidery technology, two complementary ring-shaped structures were selected for design in this paper. Several samples with different size parameters were prepared by the computer embroidery process, and the electromagnetic transmission characteristics were systematically tested using the free-space method. The effects of unit type, electromagnetic wave polarization mode, incident angle, unit size parameters and processing methods on different samples were analyzed in depth. The results show the aperture-type and patch-type samples have obvious band-pass and band-stop characteristics in the test frequency range, respectively, but there are some differences in the resonance frequency and peak of the complementary structure samples of the same size. Different parameters have dissimilar influences on the electromagnetic transmission characteristics. With the increase in incident angle, the frequency selective characteristics of two complementary structures are gradually weakened, and the aperture structure has higher angular stability. Under the conditions of different electromagnetic wave polarization modes and incident angles, the computer embroidery samples have good frequency selective characteristics, which demonstrates the effectiveness of computer embroidery processing technology. However, compared with the ideal computer-based carving sample, there is a certain gap in the resonance peak, and the electromagnetic loss is large. The processing accuracy of the computer embroidery technology needs to be explored further.
Slow Civic Violence and the Removal of USPS Mail Sorting Machines During the 2020 Election
Authors: Sánchez Fernando
Published: February 2022

This article combines historical research with demographic analysis and neoliberal/rhetorical critique to put forth the concept of slow civic violence—indirect injuries on civic process, particularly within marginalized communities. The author ties the United States Postal Service's (USPS) rationale for removing mail sorting machines during the 2020 election year to systemic moves that damage democratic participation. The author conducts an empirical analysis of where the USPS mail sorting machines were removed to show how neoliberal arguments in favor of cost cutting make voting by mail a more precarious and uncertain act primarily for those who reside in communities of color.
Mariátegui and Dependency Theory: Reviewing a Powerful Inheritance in Latin American Thought
Authors: Acosta Alberto , Cajas-Guijarro John
Published: February 2022

A review of the multiple approaches to dependency theory alongside some of the thoughts on dependency of José Carlos Mariátegui highlights the contributions that Mariátegui could make to the deepening of that theory and even the opening of new paths and the theoretical affinity to the work of later scholars. Reconstruction of Mariátegui’s and other critical approaches to capitalism, including the postdevelopmentalist, is an urgent task.

Una reseña del pensamiento dependentista desde sus múltiples aproximaciones, complementada con una revisión de varias intuiciones sobre la dependencia dejadas por José Carlos Mariátegui, hace resaltar los aportes que Mariátegui podría brindar para profundizar e incluso abrir nuevos senderos a las teorías de la dependencia. Una reconstrucción de las teorías tanto de Mariátegui como de otros referentes del pensamiento crítico al capitalismo, incluso en clave posdesarrollista, es una tarea urgente.
Taking a COVID-19 Vaccine or Not? Do Trust in Government and Trust in Experts Help Us to Understand Vaccination Intention?
Authors: Wynen Jan , Op de Beeck Sophie , Verhoest Koen , Glavina Monika , Six Frédérique , Van Damme Pierre , Beutels Phillipe , Hendrickx Greet , Pepermans Koen
Published: February 2022

Governments worldwide are relying on the COVID-19 vaccines as the solution for ending the coronavirus pandemic and the resulting crisis. Although scientific progress in the development of a vaccine has been astonishing, policymakers are facing an extra hurdle as increasingly more people appear to be hesitant in their intention to take such a vaccine. Based on a large Corona survey in Belgium, this study aims to explain the vaccination intention by linking it to trust in government and experts, while accounting for individuals’ risk perceptions and prosocialness.
The discontents of competition for recognition on social media: Perfectionism, ressentiment, and collective narcissism
Authors: Ceilutka Kristupas
Published: February 2022

Individuals frequently utilize social media platforms (SMPs) to express their positive features and receive recognition. Axel Honneth proposes that recognition plays an essential role in social life, explaining both social conflicts and guiding normative social development. While SMPs appear as a perfect tool for the pursuit of recognition, they often fail to achieve the intended results. This paper argues that the failure to achieve recognition through SMPs occurs because SMPs operate according to the neoliberal principle of competition. Competition arises because several structural affordances (quantification, homogeneity, and availability of information) allow for comparing different expressions of recognition. I argue that the competitive pursuit of recognition on SMPs results in several problematic developments, causing the manifestation of perfectionism, ressentiment, and collective narcissism. I conclude that the normative potential of Honneth’s theory is compromised if recognition is pursued competitively.
Long‐term Oncologic Results and Voice Outcomes in Patients With Glottic Cancer After Modified Type III Cordectomy
Authors: Liu Chin‐Hsuan , Chien Pei‐Ju , Hung Li‐Ting , Wang Li‐Mei , Kao Ya‐Chuan , Tsai Yueh‐Ju , Chu Pen‐Yuan
Published: February 2022

Objective

Transoral laser microsurgery and radiotherapy provide high and comparable cure rates for the treatment of early glottic cancer. However, the voice outcomes after treatment remain controversial. A modified type III cordectomy technique was proposed in 2006, and preliminary results showed it to be an oncologically safe method with satisfactory voice outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate oncologic and voice outcomes after long‐term follow‐up of these patients.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Tertiary care academic center.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2018, 42 patients with glottic cancer underwent a modified type III cordectomy. This technique resected the tumor and upper part of the vocal folds and preserved the lower part of the vocalis muscle as a scaffold to improve glottis closure. The oncologic results and voice outcomes were evaluated at a median follow‐up of 68 months.

Results

The primary tumor stages included 13 T1 (31%), 26 T2 (64%), and 3 T3 (7%). Eight patients (19%) had local recurrence, and 6 underwent successful salvage with transoral laser microsurgery with or without postoperative radiotherapy with laryngeal preservation. The 5‐year rate of local control was 80%; laryngeal preservation, 95%; overall survival, 89%; and disease‐specific survival, 97%. The final laryngeal preservation rate was 95% (40/42). The voice outcomes were satisfactory and comparable to those of patients who underwent type I and II cordectomies.

Conclusion

The modified type III cordectomy has been proven to be an oncologically safe method with satisfactory voice outcomes after long‐term follow‐up in selected cases of early glottic cancer.
How to build a successful hypertrophic cardiomyopathy team and ensure training the next generation of myectomy surgeons
Authors: Schaff Hartzell V , Oberoi Meher , Dearani Joseph A
Published: February 2022

Transaortic extended septal myectomy is the most reliable method for septal reduction for symptomatic patients with obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In addition, surgical management of nonobstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is possible for selected patients with diastolic heart failure and small left ventricular end-diastolic cavity dimensions. These procedures, however, are performed infrequently in many centers, and trainees may not be exposed to the preoperative evaluation and intraoperative management of patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. In this paper, we review what we believe are the central features for creating a successful program for septal myectomy and detail our strategies to optimize instruction in these techniques for residents and fellows.
Quebec-based Parents’ Attitudes Towards Childhood Multilingualism: Evaluative Dimensions and Potential Predictors
Authors: Kircher Ruth , Quirk Erin , Brouillard Melanie , Ahooja Alexa , Ballinger Susan , Polka Linda , Byers-Heinlein Krista
Published: February 2022

This is the first large-scale, quantitative study of the evaluative dimensions and potential predictors of Quebec-based parents’ attitudes towards childhood multilingualism. Such attitudes are assumed to constitute a determinant of parental language choices, and thereby influence children's multilingual development. The newly-developed Attitudes towards Childhood Multilingualism Questionnaire was used to gather data from 825 participants raising an infant/toddler aged 0–4 years with multiple languages in the home. The results revealed three separate dimensions: status and solidarity (the same dimensions found in attitudes towards individual languages) as well as cognitive development (not previously attested as a separate dimension). Participants’ approach to promoting multilingualism (specifically, whether they used the one-person-one-language-approach) and the combination of languages transmitted (specifically, whether this included a heritage language) correlated significantly with parental attitudes towards childhood multilingualism. Parents’ linguistic background and location within Quebec were not significant predictors of attitudes. The paper discusses implications and directions for further research.
Effect of Sing and Speak 4 Kids: An Online Music-Based Speech and Language Learning Game for Children in Early Intervention
Authors: Lim Hayoung A , Ellis Erica M , Sonnenschein David
Published: February 2022

Music-based speech language interventions have shown promise to support young children with autism, other speech and language deficits, and Dual Language Learners (also known as DLL, English Language Learners, or ELL). Online edtech learning programs may produce greater positive outcomes for children by including parents as mediators of the intervention. This study measured the preliminary effectiveness of Sing and Speak 4 Kids (SS4Kids), a music-based online speech and language development game, administered to 26 children ages 2–6 years old with or at risk for a diagnosis of autism, other speech and language deficits or DLL. The children were trained in early intervention settings across 4–6 sessions over a 2-week period in one of three group conditions: (a) teacher only in clinic; (b) parent only at home; (c) both teacher + parent. Measurement of verbal production of target words in pre- and post-training sessions showed that trained words significantly improved from pre-test to post-test Additionally, there was no effect of different group conditions (teacher only vs. parent only vs. both teacher + parent) on children's performance. Results suggest that the SS4Kids program is an effective music-based speech and language training method for supporting target word production in young children across a two week timespan. Importantly, the results also found that group conditions did not influence the improvement, confirming effectiveness of both clinic and home-based parent mediation. During a time when traditional in-person intervention services may be restricted, the current work provides cautious but emerging evidence of the effectiveness of an online edtech evidence-based practice to support the speech and language outcomes for a variety of children in early intervention.
Effectiveness of adding virtual reality to physiotherapeutic treatment in patients with total hip arthroplasty. A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zavala-González Jonathan , Martínez Diego , Gutiérrez-Espinoza Héctor
Published: February 2022

Objective

To determine the clinical effectiveness of adding virtual reality via the Nintendo Wii console and its Wii Balance Board to physiotherapy treatment in patients with total hip arthroplasty.

Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Setting

Clinical Hospital San Borja Arriaran, Santiago, Chile.

Participants

A total of 73 patients over 50 years of age with total hip arthroplasty were randomly allocated to two groups.

Interventions

The control group (n = 37) received 6 weeks of physiotherapy treatment; the intervention group (n = 36) received the same treatment plus virtual reality exercises with the Nintendo Wii console.

Outcome measures

The two groups were assessed at baseline and after the 6 weeks of treatment. The primary outcome assessed was the function with the WOMAC questionnaire. The secondary outcomes were the Berg Balance Scale, distance covered with the six-minute walk test, and difference in weight load on the lower extremities.

Results

A total of 73 patients, 37 patients in the control group (20 women; mean age of 70.9 ± 9.16 years) and 36 patients in the intervention group (18 women; mean age of 70.39 ± 9.02 years) were analyzed. At the end of the treatment, the difference between groups for the total WOMAC score was −10.4 points ( p = 0.00), 4.7 points ( p = 0.00) for the Berg Balance Scale, and 45.2 mt ( p = 0.00) for the six-minute walk test All differences were in favor of the intervention group.

Conclusions

In the short term, the addition of virtual reality via the Nintendo Wii and its Wii Balance Board platform showed statistically significant differences in the function of patients with total hip replacement, but these differences were not minimally clinically important. Trial registration: This research was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of Australia and New Zealand, with reference ACTRN12618001252202.
A randomized controlled trial of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and fear extinction retention in healthy adults
Authors: Maples-Keller Jessica L , Norrholm Seth D , Burton Mark , Reiff Collin , Coghlan Callan , Jovanovic Tanja , Yasinski Carly , Jarboe Kathleen , Rakofsky Jeffrey , Rauch Sheila , Dunlop Boadie W , Rothbaum Barbara O
Published: February 2022

Background:

Fear conditioning and extinction are well-characterized cross-species models of fear-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, and recent animal data suggest that 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) enhances fear extinction retention.

Aims:

This study investigated the effect of MDMA on fear learning, extinction training, and retention in healthy humans.

Methods:

The study involved a randomized placebo-controlled, two-group, parallel design trial in a sample of healthy adults, age 21–55 recruited from a major metropolitan area. The experimental paradigm included a fear acquisition session followed by an extinction training session 24 hours later, and 2 hours after study drug administration. Fear extinction retention was measured 48 hours after extinction training. Participants ( N = 34; 70.6% male and 29.4% female) were randomly assigned in 1:1 ratio to 100 mg MDMA or placebo. All randomized participants completed the trial and were included in primary analyses. Safety was monitored via adverse events and vital signs. MDMA was well-tolerated with no serious adverse events.

Results:

Results indicated a significant main effect of session between extinction training and retention with no significant group differences. Significantly more participants in the MDMA group retained extinction learning compared to the placebo group (χ2 = 7.29, p = 0.007).

Conclusion:

Although we did not observe the hypothesized facilitation of extinction retention, the findings from this initial human trial provide compelling rationale to continue to explore the potential for MDMA to impact extinction retention. Clinical Trials Registry Name and Identifier: Evaluation of MDMA on Startle Response (NCT0318176) https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03181763?term = MDMA&draw = 2&rank = 9
Hybrid backup energy based on PV/Wind system for marine tugboat: A case study of ASD tug of Arzew port in Algeria
Authors: Bouhouta Ahmed , Moulahoum Samir , Kabache Nadir
Published: February 2022

This study proposes a hybrid Solar PV/Wind backup solution for a marine tugboat. Tugs are an important kind of vessel that should be able to maneuver continuously without any interruption of their electrical energy system. New power management integrating a hybrid solar/wind energy aims to ensure a long period of continuous safe operation in case of a total blackout and also to replace the perturbed power grid of the port for a partial time. These standard tugs built in Holland by DAMEN shipyard and attached to Arzew port in Algeria, are suited to operate for a maximum of 1 hour with a storage battery unit in an emergency situation like a blackout. The two main diesel engines are able to operate normally with 24 V DC voltage control under such situations. During this problem of power failure, the tug can’t reach safely the harbor and hence immediate assistance is needed. To avoid this scenario, the idea is why not extend this period of emergency operation, and also try to supply the vessel inside the port only with clean energy. First, the electrical distribution system is presented and detailed including the power demand study of installed loads. The proposed hybrid energy source is also discussed for its many benefits especially in the case of favorable maritime climatic conditions of the Arzew port area. HOMER software is used to verify if the new power scheme can succeed. The results confirm that the new combined Diesel/PV/Wind solution appears to be very interesting, it reduces CO2 emissions from diesel generators and annual fuel costs can be saved.