bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data from ANXA1 Promotes Tumor Immune Evasion by Binding PARP1 and Upregulating Stat3-Induced Expression of PD-L1 in Multiple Cancers
Authors: Xiao Ding , Zeng Ting , Zhu Wei , Yu Zheng-Zheng , Huang Wei , Yi Hong , Lu Shan-Shan , Feng Juan , Feng Xue-Ping , Wu Di , Wen Qi , Zhou Jian-Hua , Yuan Li , Zhuang Wei , Xiao Zhi-Qiang
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The deregulation of Annexin A1 (ANXA1), a regulator of inflammation and immunity, leads to cancer growth and metastasis. However, whether ANXA1 is involved in cancer immunosuppression is still unclear. Here, we report that ANXA1 knockdown (i) dramatically downregulates programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in breast cancer, lung cancer, and melanoma cells; (ii) promotes T cell–mediated killing of cancer cells in vitro; and (iii) inhibits cancer immune escape in immune-competent mice via downregulating PD-L1 expression and increasing the number and killing activity of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, ANXA1 functioned as a sponge molecule for interaction of PARP1 and Stat3. Specifically, binding of ANXA1 to PARP1 decreased PARP1’s binding to Stat3, which reduced poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and dephosphorylation of Stat3 and thus, increased Stat3’s transcriptional activity, leading to transcriptionally upregulated expression of PD-L1 in multiple cancer cells. In clinical samples, expression of ANXA1 and PD-L1 was significantly higher in breast cancer, non–small cell lung cancer, and skin cutaneous melanoma compared with corresponding normal tissues and positively correlated in cancer tissues. Moreover, using both ANXA1 and PD-L1 proteins for predicting efficacy of anti–PD-1 immunotherapy and patient prognosis was superior to using individual proteins. Our data suggest that ANXA1 promotes cancer immune escape via binding PARP1 and upregulating Stat3-induced expression of PD-L1, that ANXA1 is a potential new target for cancer immunotherapy, and combination of ANXA1 and PD-L1 expression is a potential marker for predicting efficacy of anti–PD-1 immunotherapy in multiple cancers.
Peer communication about contraception knowledge of early adolescent in urban areas
Authors: Kurniawati Yustina Tyas , Sihombing Lastdes Cristiany Friday , Ratrikaningtyas Prima Dhewi
Published: October 2023

Currently, generation Z is 27.94% of the Indonesian population and triggers fulfillment of sexual reproductive health information, including contraception, which should be given of 9-12 years old. This effort is necessary to reduce unwanted pregnancy incidence, free sex, and abortion. A factor potential to influence is peer communication. Determine the relationship between peer communication with contraception knowledge of early adolescents in the urban area of Indonesia. This quantitative study with a cross-sectional design uses the Global Early Adolscent Study’s (GEAS) secondary data. The research subjects were 2,225, which were 7th grade of State Junior High Schools in Bandar Lampung, Semarang, and Denpasar, Indonesia. The relationship between peer communication to contraceptive knowledge considers age, gender, sexual history, economic status, residence, and parental communication. Contraception knowledge is divided into good and poor. Data processing was done with univariable, chi-square, and logistic regression statistical tests and used 95% confidence interval (CI) with a 0.05 significance level. Peer communication significantly related to contraceptive knowledge (p-value <0.001). Other factors that influenced were gender, residence, sexual intercourse, and parental communication, which were statistically significant. Conclusion: About half of the early adolescents have good contraception knowledge, which is three times more likely in adolescent who communicates with peers.
Rhythmic gymnastics intervention to reduce body mass index of school-age children with obesity and low physical activity
Authors: Anggraini Nourmayansa Vidya , Ratnawati Diah , Ritanti Ritanti , Ramandhani Defina
Published: October 2023

Obesity is a widespread health concern, prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Among school-age children, obesity can lead to health problems and increase the risk of disability in adulthood. A sedentary lifestyle is a significant contributor to poor health and fitness, and consequently, it may elevate the risk of obesity. To address this issue, rhythmic gymnastics has emerged as a potential method for managing weight and reducing body mass index. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of rhythmic gymnastics intervention in reducing body mass index among school-age children with low physical activity levels. The intervention was carried out three times a week, and results after four weeks revealed that managed patients lost 1.7 kg of weight with a decrease in body mass index (BMI) of 0.60 SD, while resumed patients lost 2 kg with a decrease in BMI of 0.59. These findings indicate that rhythmic gymnastics intervention can be effective in reducing body mass index in school-age children.
Lockdown fatigue among the university students at Nueva Ecija during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Santiago Jomell Miranda , Santos Angelo Reyes , Morales Sheila Rose Flores , Savellano Joy Nacino
Published: October 2023

One of the control measures to stop the transmission of COVID-19 was the implementation of a lockdown. However, after a few months of lockdown, previous research has found significant evidence of lockdown-related fatigue. Hence, the current study aimed to determine the lockdown fatigue of the students. A descriptive research design and total sampling were used. A questionnaire was developed to collect data about the sex and monthly income of the respondents and their level of lockdown fatigue and feelings after the lockdown. Permission to conduct and informed consent were obtained. Data were analyzed using various statistical tools. A total of 629 respondents participated in the study. Many of them were female and had a monthly income less than P11,690. Most of them had a moderate to high level of lockdown fatigue, and the difference in their profile was insignificant. After the lockdown period, they sometimes felt powerless, stressed, and angry, their problems were getting worse, and something unexpected would happen. Last, their feelings and lockdown fatigue level, after lockdown, had a significant positive relationship. Further studies regarding the efficacy and effectiveness of lockdowns, as well as any restriction that may jeopardize students’ health should be continually assessed by government authorities.
Audiovisual media effectiveness in post-cataract surgery care education in National Eye Center Cicendo Hospital
Authors: Syabariyah Sitti , Muhtar Hidayat Tantan , Sofiyah Yusi , Khairatun Hisan Urfa
Published: October 2023

Currently, eye surgery is the only viable solution to reserve blindness in cataract patients. Nonetheless, post-cataract surgery care plays an important role in the effectiveness of cataract surgery. To ensure the success of post-cataract surgery, healthcare providers must support patients with adequate knowledge regarding post-cataract surgery care. In this study, we investigate the effectiveness of audiovisual media in post-cataract surgery care education on improving patients’ knowledge. This quasi-experimental study is designed with one group pre-test and post-test approach. We recruited a total of 58 participants aged ≥40 years with senile cataract diagnosis who underwent cataract surgery by phacoemulsification in one eye using local anesthesia or neurolept, with visual acuity in the unoperated eye ≥0.08, and without hearing loss. Participants were given complementary post-surgery education through audiovisual media for 7 minutes and participants were instructed to fill out the questionnaire about post-cataract surgery care prior to and after getting the complementary audiovisual media education. The collected data were analyzed using the frequency distribution analysis and Wilcoxon test. The findings suggest that the application of audiovisual media in post-cataract surgery care education significantly increases patients’ knowledge (p-value<0.001). This study concludes that providing education through audiovisual media is recommended for post-cataract surgery patients.
The accuracy of forecasting results of the Box-Jenkins method for time series analysis on the number of pneumonia patients
Authors: Radhiah Sitti , Fakhri Muhammad Miftach , Ibrahim Muhammad , Rosidah Rosidah , Fadhilatunisa Della , Arifiyanti Fitria , Soeharto Soeharto , Vidiyanto Vidiyanto
Published: October 2023

This study was quantitative with a non-reactive or unobstructed approach using Time Series analysis with the ARIMA Box-Jenkins method on secondary data. From secondary data, 1, 3, and 6 monthly data simulations were carried out. Each simulation data was divided into two groups: the first group of initialization data for 2016 – 2019 and the second group of actual data for 2020. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of forecasting results using the Box- Jenkins method on the number of pneumonia sufferers at Kamonji Public Health Center, Palu. The 1-monthly data simulation amounted to 48-time series as initialization data, obtained the appropriate forecasting model, namely ARIMA (1,1,1), then forecasting was done, and the results obtained were 289,166 patients with pneumonia. There are 16-time series simulations for 3-monthly data as initialization data and 6-monthly simulations totaling two-time series for initialization data, not finding a suitable model for forecasting. In conclusion, no data simulation gets the right result on the number of pneumonia sufferers because it gets more forecasting results than the actual data. Suggestions that can be given in this research are to use data that is more than five years old.
Data modeling COVID-19 patients in Thailand: data mining techniques
Authors: Pansayta Sawitree , Chansanam Wirapong
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of COVID-19 patients in Thailand and develop a data model for analyzing these characteristics. A total of 1,888,941 cases from the Thailand Department of Disease Control website from January 12, 2020, to October 29, 2021, were analyzed, and 20,110 cases were selected for further analysis. The two-step cluster analysis method was used to cluster the data according to four variables: nationality, occupation, patient type, and risk groups. The results showed the presence of three groups of COVID-19 patients. Group 1 consisted of 5,883 workers in trade and service occupations who had contact with the public and were either Thai nationals or from abroad. Group 2 was the largest cluster, consisting of 7,420 migrant workers classified as foreigners and working in industrial settings. Group 3 consisted of 6,870 cases of indirect transmission, with individuals in this group infected through close contact with family members or individuals in the first two groups. This clustering approach offers valuable insights for pandemic management, aiding in identifying high-risk groups and developing tailored interventions. In future outbreaks with similar characteristics, such as airborne transmission, contact infection, or super spreader events, our model can serve as a valuable tool for devising effective management plans and countermeasures. In conclusion, this study emphasizes the significance of cluster analysis in understanding the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission and highlights its potential for informing effective pandemic management strategies. It also outlines promising avenues for further research to enhance our knowledge of COVID-19's impact on specific populations and inform future public health efforts.
Knowledge, practices, and antibiotics use patterns among animal production farmers in Calabar Metropolis
Authors: Okon Aniekanabasi Jonathan , Chibuzor-Eke Uchechi Esther , Oka Ibiang Arikpo , Eyam Lilian Eberechukwu , Akpan Margaret Inemesit , Inah Simon Alain
Published: October 2023

Inappropriate use of antibiotics alongside improper waste/wastewater disposal can contribute to the emergence and dissemination of antibiotic resistance. This research aimed to assess the knowledge, practices, and patterns of antibiotic usage among animal farmers in Calabar Metropolis. Employing a descriptive cross-sectional approach, a structured questionnaire was utilized to elicit information from 137 animal farmers. Data were analysed using SPSS version 25, with Chi-square statistics being employed to ascertain associations between different variables. The findings indicated a high level of knowledge regarding antibiotic use and the repercussions following its misuse on the environment, with 74.5% exhibiting high levels of knowledge. Majority (92.7%) of the respondents used antibiotics for various purposes in the farm. About 55% of respondents who used antibiotics had training on antibiotics use. Majority (79.6%) of the respondents had poor waste/wastewater disposal practices. Associations were found between farmers’ knowledge level on antibiotic resistance and level of antibiotics use (p=0.031). Moderate antibiotic use was more among farmers with high knowledge level. An association was also found between farmers’ training on antibiotics use and farmers’ level of antibiotics use (p=0.043). Mandatory and targeted training for animal production farmers on proper and judicious antibiotic use is expedient to safeguard public health.
Discovering and Exploiting Sparse Rewards in a Learned Behavior Space
Authors: Paolo Giuseppe , Coninx Miranda , Laflaquière Alban , Doncieux Stephane
Published: October 2023

Learning optimal policies in sparse rewards settings is difficult as the learning agent has little to no feedback on the quality of its actions. In these situations, a good strategy is to focus on exploration, hopefully leading to the discovery of a reward signal to improve on. A learning algorithm capable of dealing with this kind of setting has to be able to (1) explore possible agent behaviors and (2) exploit any possible discovered reward. Exploration algorithms have been proposed that require the definition of a low-dimension behavior space, in which the behavior generated by the agent's policy can be represented. The need to design a priori this space such that it is worth exploring is a major limitation of these algorithms. In this work, we introduce STAX, an algorithm designed to learn a behavior space on-the-fly and to explore it while optimizing any reward discovered (see Figure 1). It does so by separating the exploration and learning of the behavior space from the exploitation of the reward through an alternating two-step process. In the first step, STAX builds a repertoire of diverse policies while learning a low-dimensional representation of the high-dimensional observations generated during the policies evaluation. In the exploitation step, emitters optimize the performance of the discovered rewarding solutions. Experiments conducted on three different sparse reward environments show that STAX performs comparably to existing baselines while requiring much less prior information about the task as it autonomously builds the behavior space it explores.
The Right to Bail in Seychelles: Implementing Article 9(3) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights
Authors: Ddamulira Mujuzi Jamil
Published: October 2023

Seychelles acceded to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (iccpr) in 1992. Article 9(3) of the iccpr provides for circumstances in which an accused may be released on bail. Article 18(7) of the Constitution of Seychelles (2008) provides for the grounds on which a court may decline to release an arrested or accused person on bail. Article 48 of the Constitution requires Seychellois courts to, inter alia, refer to international treaties and the practice/jurisprudence of international human rights bodies when interpreting constitutional rights. This article illustrates the drafting history of Article 9(3) of the iccpr and how it has been interpreted by the Human Rights Committee. It also highlights the right to bail under the African human rights system. Based on over 250 cases of the magistrate’s court, Supreme Court, Constitutional Court and Court of Appeal decided between 1998 and 2023, the article discusses the extent to which the courts’ jurisprudence complies with the practice and/or jurisprudence of the Human Rights Committee on the following issues: the right to bail, courts with jurisdiction to grant bail, factors courts consider in making bail decisions, burden of proof in bail matters, bail pending appeal and court’s power to revoke bail. It is argued, inter alia, that although the jurisprudence on bail substantially complies with the standards set by the Human Rights Committee, there are instances in which some of the courts’ decisions are contrary to these standards. The article recommends that courts should ensure that the jurisprudence on bail complies with the principles developed by the Human Rights Committee.
Two novel species of Urnula (Sarcosomataceae, Pezizales) from Yunnan, China
Authors: LU JIN-RONG , YU FENG-MING , ZHOU DE-QUN , LU ZHI-YUN , ZHANG YING , ZHAO QI
Published: October 2023

Urnula is a prominent and older genus within the family Sarcosomataceae. Its members are widely distributed and have very similar features in the field. This study proposes two novel Urnula species collected from Yunnan Province, China. Detailed descriptions, illustrations, and phylogenetic analyses are provided. Urnula ailaoshanensis grows on rotten wood surrounded by moss and is characterized by its brighter hymenial surface, wider asci, and longer ascospores. Urnula subcrateria was collected on the soil humus layer of a subtropical forest with many fallen leaves, mosses, and lichens. It is morphologically and molecularly related to Urnula craterium (Schwein.) Fr., but can easily be distinguished by its shorter stipe and smaller asci and ascospores.
Nomenclatural notes on Kalanchoe globulifera (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae), the species under which the economically important K. blossfeldiana was at first recognised, at the rank of variety, as K. globulifera var. coccinea
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: October 2023

The nomenclature associated with the name Kalanchoe globulifera (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) is reviewed. The economically important K. blossfeldiana was first described at the rank of variety under K. globulifera, as K. globulifera var. coccinea. This taxonomic view persisted for several decades after K. globulifera var. coccinea was elevated to species rank as K. blossfeldiana, because the combination K. coccinea was not available. The type of the name K. globulifera is clarified in a second-step lectotypification.
Exochaenium natalense (Gentianaceae), a reinstated taxon endemic to KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Authors: KISSLING JONATHAN , GRIEVE KATE W. , GRIEVE GRAHAM , BYTEBIER BENNY
Published: October 2023

Based on morphological and ecological considerations, Belmontia natalensis (syn. Exochaenium grande var. homostylum) is reinstated as Exochaenium natalense (Gentianaceae). It only occurs in a section of the coastal region of the Eastern Cape (Pondoland) and southern KwaZulu-Natal provinces, South Africa. Exochaenium natalense differs from E. grande, the only other South African Exochaenium taxon, by having smaller flowers (corolla diameter < 2 cm vs > 3 cm) with a different colour (white vs cream-salmon or yellow). Because the type material of E. natalense consists of two sheets, a lectotype is designated.
Diversity, taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships of the “Niphargus borutzkyi” ingroup (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae) in Western Georgia, SW Caucasus
Authors: MARIN IVAN , BARJADZE SHALVA , MAGHRADZE ETER , PALATOV DMITRY
Published: October 2023

Two new Caucasian species of the genus Niphargus Schiödte, 1849 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Niphargidae), N. rachalechkhumensis sp. nov. and N. tvishiensis sp. nov., are described from the stygobiotic habitats of the Racha-Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti karst systems in Western Georgia. Both newly described species belong to the southwestern Caucasian “Niphargus borutzkyi” ingroup related to the European “carphaticus” species complex and can be clearly separated from the congeners by morphological features, mostly in uropod III and epimeral plates, and genetically. Identification key for all known species to the “Niphargus borutzkyi” ingroup is provided, as well as their phylogenetic relationships, the estimated time of the origin and the current distribution of the ingroup in the Colchis lowland of the southwestern Caucasus are also discussed.
The ampliatus species group of Ommatius Wiedemann, 1821 (Diptera, Asilidae, Ommatiinae) in Peru with the description of four new species
Authors: SÁNCHEZ PÁVEL , CAMARGO ALEXSSANDRO
Published: October 2023

In this work, four new species of Ommatius are described from Peru; Ommatius amaru sp. nov. from Cuzco, Ommatius kuntur sp. nov. from Ayacucho and Cuzco, Ommatius uturuncu sp. nov. from Ayacucho and Pasco, and Ommatius yanantin sp. nov. from Cajamarca. All belong to the ampliatus species group, which is part of the holosericeus complex. Illustrations of external morphology, as well as dissected terminalia, are provided. A taxonomic discussion is given for all new species. A distribution map for the Peruvian species in the ampliatus group and an updated key to all species in this group are also given. The new species are named as a tribute to the Andean cosmovision which is based on thousands of years of pre-Columbian culture.
Morphology of the preadult stages of Coronaproctus castanopsis Li, Xu & Wu (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Monophlebidae)
Authors: ZHENG XINYI , LI JIANI , WU SAN’AN
Published: October 2023

All the preadult stages of Coronaproctus castanopsis Li, Xu & Wu, 2023 are described and illustrated (first- and second-instar nymphs, third-instar male and female nymphs, and the male pupa), based on material from Zhejiang Province, China. A key to separate the developmental stages is provided.
Priopoda macrophyae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae, Ctenopelmatinae), a new species of parasitoid of Macrophya satoi (Tenthredinidae), a serious pest of Japanese ash tree (Oleaceae)
Authors: WATANABE KYOHEI
Published: October 2023

A new species, Priopoda macrophyae sp. nov., is described. This species is an important parasitoid of a serious pest of Japanese ash (Fraxinus japonica), Macrophya satoi Shinohara & Li, 2015. This species resembles P. otaruensis (Uchida, 1930) in the black colouration of the hind coxa, hind femur, and all metasomal tergites, but can be clearly distinguished by the length of the malar space, the smooth interspace of the punctures on the mesopleuron, the large smooth area of the speculum, the complete and strongly raised propodeal carinae, and the length of the first metasomal tergite. The bionomics of this species is also noted. The host record of this species is also the first record for Asian species of this genus.
An Extratropical Pathway for the Madden–Julian Oscillation’s Influence on North Atlantic Tropical Cyclones
Authors: Chang Chuan-Chieh , Lubis Sandro W. , Balaguru Karthik , Leung L. Ruby , Hagos Samson M. , Klotzbach Philip J.
Published: October 2023

This study investigates the combined impacts of the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) and extratropical anticyclonic Rossby wave breaking (AWB) on subseasonal Atlantic tropical cyclone (TC) activity and their physical connections. Our results show that during MJO phases 2–3 (enhanced Indian Ocean convection) and 6–7 (enhanced tropical Pacific convection), there are significant changes in basinwide TC activity. The MJO and AWB collaborate to suppress basinwide TC activity during phases 6–7 but not during phases 2–3. During phases 6–7, when AWB occurs, various TC metrics including hurricanes, accumulated cyclone energy, and rapid intensification probability decrease by ∼50%–80%. Simultaneously, large-scale environmental variables, like vertical wind shear, precipitable water, and sea surface temperatures become extremely unfavorable for TC formation and intensification, compared to periods characterized by suppressed AWB activity during the same MJO phases. Further investigation reveals that AWB events during phases 6–7 occur in concert with the development of a stronger anticyclone in the lower troposphere, which transports more dry, stable extratropical air equatorward, and drives enhanced tropical SST cooling. As a result, individual AWB events in phases 6–7 can disturb the development of surrounding TCs to a greater extent than their phases 2–3 counterparts. The influence of the MJO on AWB over the western subtropical Atlantic can be attributed to the modulation of the convectively forced Rossby wave source over the tropical eastern Pacific. A significant number of Rossby waves initiating from this region during phases 5–6 propagate into the subtropical North Atlantic, preceding the occurrence of AWB events in phases 6–7.
The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey
Authors: Wanless Anna , Stormer Sam , Ripberger Joseph T. , Krocak Makenzie J. , Fox Andrew , Hogg David , Jenkins-Smith Hank , Silva Carol , Robinson Scott E. , Eller Warren S.
Published: October 2023

National Weather Service (NWS) forecasters have many roles and responsibilities, including communication with core partners throughout the forecast and warning process to ensure that the information they are providing is relevant, understandable, and actionable. Although the NWS communicates to many groups, members of the emergency management community are among the most critical partners. However, little is known about the diverse population of emergency managers (EMs) and how they receive, process, and use forecast information. The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey (WxEM) aims to fill this knowledge gap by 1) building a nationwide panel of EMs and 2) fielding routine surveys that include questions of relevance to NWS operations. The panel was built by creating a database with contact information from more than 4000 EMs across the country. An enrollment survey was sent to the list, and over 700 EMs agreed to participate in the project. Following enrollment, WxEM panelists receive surveys three–four times per year that address how EMs use NWS forecast information. These surveys cover a variety of subjects, with the goal of working with other researchers to develop surveys that address their research needs. By collaborating with other research groups to design short, focused surveys, the WxEM project will reduce the research burden on EMs and, at the same time, increase the quality and comparability of research data in the weather enterprise. The results will be shared with the NWS and the research community, and all data gathered from these surveys will be publicly available.

Significance Statement

The Extreme Weather and Emergency Management Survey aims to better understand how emergency managers use National Weather Service (NWS) forecast information via a series of surveys regularly distributed to a panel of emergency managers across the country. By collaborating with other researchers, these surveys will cover broad topics and should limit the number of participation requests sent to emergency managers. Results will be distributed to participants, researchers, and NWS forecasters. All data will be publicly available.
Women's Descriptive Representation in Burundi: The Mixed Effects of Gender Quotas
Authors: Ndayiragije Réginas , Vandeginste Stef , Meier Petra
Published: October 2023

Building on original data collected for the period between 2001 and 2020, this article contributes to the research on the effectiveness of gender quotas. It does so, first, by looking into the salience of ministerial portfolios allocated to women, and, secondly, by examining the spillover effect of the gender quotas in positions where they do not apply. We find that the implementation of gender quotas gradually resulted in women being assigned to high-salience ministerial portfolios. Also, gender quotas have produced mixed results in positions where they are not mandated. These findings can be explained mobilising a multi-perspectival argument that takes into account the history of gender quotas adoption in Burundi, the specific political context of their implementation, as well as an interpersonal resources perspective.
Some Comments on the Other Contributions to This Antitrust-Policy-Focused Issue
Authors: Markovits Richard S.
Published: October 2023

This response to the other Articles in this issue acknowledges the importance of some of the obstacles to sound antitrust-policy analysis that others find insurmountable but contends that they can and must be overcome, explains why I think some critiques of my approach are ill-specified and indefensible, clarifies some oligopolistic-conduct-related concepts my study uses about which one contributor poses questions, restates in my terminology the arguments of two contributions that delineate and evaluate particular E.U. antitrust policies and comments on some of the normative claims these two articles consider, and expresses my appreciation of the positive book review that two scholars have supplied.
Dismantling Anti-Black Racism With Unapologetic Boldness: Redefining Our Values and Living Them Out Loud
Authors: Moore-Lobban Shavonne J.
Published: October 2023

In her 2023 Society of Counseling Psychology (SCP) Presidential Address, Dr. Shavonne Moore-Lobban reflects on the work of the division to continue dismantling anti-Black racism. Through personal reflections of societal oppression and harm toward Black people, she calls on the SCP to engage in critical consciousness and center the liberation of Black people for the liberation of all people. Central to her message are redefined SCP values which she reviews and challenges SCP to boldly live out loud.
Bringing the Doctor to the Patients: Cardiology Outreach to Rural Areas
Authors: Bell J. Jason , Lee Sanghak , Gruca Thomas S.
Published: October 2023

Clinical outreach is a crucial but understudied health care service delivery model. Physicians staffing rural outreach clinics must allocate a limited resource (i.e., their time) between caring for patients at their main sites and outreach locations. Using a unique 30-year data set of decisions made by cardiologists, the authors estimate a constrained utility maximization model of time allocations across home and outreach locations. The results show that travel distance, potential competition, and patient demand for cardiology services significantly influence allocation decisions. This structural model is used to simulate the impact of a predicted reduction in cardiologist supply. The expected impacts are unevenly distributed, with some rural locations experiencing large decreases in access. The authors evaluate two policies to restore rural access: targeted immigration and a subsidy program. A subsidy program with an estimated annual cost of $406,000 can restore outreach after a 10% reduction in cardiologist supply. This option should be preferred to recruiting and supporting five additional cardiologists under a targeted immigration strategy. This research demonstrates the value of marketing modeling in addressing limited access to health care services and evaluating alternative policies for maintaining access in the face of coming physician shortages.
Colonization, appropriation, commensuration: Three modes of translation
Authors: Schritt Jannik , Voß Jan-Peter
Published: October 2023

What happens when practices are transferred from one place to another? This question lurks in the background of competing concepts of social order, modernization and globalization: Does it expand a homogeneous space where the functionality of original practices is reproduced? Or does it mix up any settled orders and create a dynamic space of heterogeneous assemblages? We here draw on a mobile ethnography following the travel of ‘mini-publics’, a pratice of organizing public participation, across different situations. We find three different modes by which mobilized elements of this practice (people, texts and artefacts) link up with local configurations: Firstly, colonization is when the original practice is sought to be replicated at the site of destination, reflecting a modern ambition to territorially expand the order that guarantees the original function. Secondly, appropriation is when mobilized elements of practice are left to freely change their meanings and effects as they are absorbed into various local configurations, reflecting a postmodern ambition to dissolve boundaries and hybridize settled orders. Thirdly, commensuration is when elements embedded in different sites are linked with each other through a broader abstract model within which they are positioned as functionally equivalent, reflecting a reflexive-modern ambition to build network infrastructures for integrating diversity. We find that the three modes coexist and thus propose them as components of a broader conceptual repertoire for empirically analysing how transfer happens, how translocal spaces are constituted, and how globalization takes shape, rather than a priori assuming either one, or the other mode as the generally dominant pattern.
Belonging-Assemblage: Experiences of Unaccompanied Young People Seeking Asylum in the UK
Authors: Ögtem-Young Özlem
Published: October 2023

In this article, I examine how belonging takes place within lives shaped by the hostile milieu of UK immigration policies and politics, by focusing on the everyday experiences of unaccompanied young people seeking asylum. Drawing on Deleuze and Guattari’s assemblage, I suggest an understanding of belonging as a rhizomatic assemblage, comprising the interactions and relations of diverse forces and flows. Based on the analysis of in-depth interviews with unaccompanied young people and the professionals who care for or work with them, I conclude that belonging is reconfigured in-between relations, always incomplete and in transition. I argue that belonging is characterised by inconsistencies and ruptures and made possible by the ‘micro-politics’ of those unaccompanied young people encounter in their everyday lives. I contribute to the literature by conceptualising the sociological notion of belonging in a novel way and exposing its key components and nature formed under precarious conditions.
The Burden of Proof in Taxation Disputes: Does Section 170 or Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) Offend the Rule of Law?
Authors: Bruce Max
Published: October 2023

For the purposes of assessing tax, section 170 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) permits the Commissioner to determine that the taxpayer has committed fraud or evasion. The taxpayer then bears the onus of showing that they have not. There is no requirement that the Commissioner show that such determination is correct, nor to support it with evidence. The Commissioner may, if they wish, do nothing more than put the taxpayer to proof by tendering their assessment as evidence. This article sets out in detail how the reversal of the onus of proof in cases arising from the Commissioner’s determination of fraud or evasion offends the principle of procedural fairness, as well as the principles of certainty and prospectivity. This paper also extends that analysis to disputes arising out of the commissioner’s determination of tax avoidance under Part IVA of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth). This paper further considers whether general administrative law principles, in particular the Briginshaw Principle, may obviate some of the concerns regarding the reversal of the onus of proof. It is contended that the reversal of the onus of proof in cases arising out of the Commissioner’s determination of fraud or evasion under section 170 and tax avoidance under Part IVA significantly offend fundamental tenets of the rule of law, namely, the principles of procedural fairness, certainty and prospectivity. It is further contended that requiring the Commissioner to adduce evidence to support the opinion or allowing the Commissioner’s determination to be judicially examined would obviate the offence to the rule of law.
Consumer Protection Against Unfair Contract Terms in the Age of Smart Contracts
Authors: Nguyen Son T
Published: October 2023

Smart contracts are designed to be self-executing and self-enforcing. They are written as computer code that can automatically monitor, execute and enforce the performance of the agreed terms. The code of smart contracts exists across a distributed, decentralised blockchain network, controlling the execution and making transactions trackable and irreversible. This article examines the extent to which the Australian Consumer Law unfair contract term provisions can respond to the use of smart contracts. The article finds that the Australian Consumer Law unfair contract term provisions work relatively well to protect smart contract consumers. While some challenges exist and should be properly considered, there seems to be no need to either create entirely new law, modify the existing regime or totally ban smart contracts to protect consumers against unfair contract terms in smart consumer contracts.
Observer-based finite-time robust control of nonlinear time-delay uncertain systems with different power Hamiltonian function
Authors: Chunfu Zhang , Yang Renming
Published: October 2023

Using the Hamiltonian function method with different powers, this paper studies the observer-based finite-time robust control problem of general nonlinear uncertain systems with time delay and presents some new results on this issue. First, by applying Hamiltonian realization method, the paper develops an equivalent Hamiltonian form of original system and designs its observer system. Then, based on the observer system, we study finite-time control problem and present several finite-time stabilization and finite-time robust stabilization results by using the augmented technology and the Lyapunov method. Finally, a real unmanned vehicle is used to verify the performance of the observer-based finite-time robust stabilization controller. Different from the existing literature on Hamiltonian method, the Hamiltonian function in the paper has different powers, which implies that the results developed in the paper have a wider range of application.
Segmental analysis of liver cirrhosis with different etiologies: a study based on iodine mixed imaging in port-venous phase
Authors: Jiang Changqin , Jiang Ruisheng , Zhang Wanwei , Ma Zhijun , Dong Haixia , Wang Zhaoqian , Feng Qiang
Published: October 2023

Background

Computed tomography (CT) in port-venous phase can display the intra-hepatic vessels, and may provide the possibility for segment function evaluation for cirrhosis.

Purpose

To assess the value of iodine mixed imaging of dual-source dual-energy CT in port-venous phase in segmental evaluation of liver cirrhosis with different etiologies.

Material and Methods

Patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis were enrolled. Patients without cirrhosis were included as a control group. Each patient underwent iodine-contrast enhanced multi-phase dual-energy CT scanning. Parameters were analyzed by SPSS, version 22.0, and Medcalc.

Results

In total, 256 patients were investigated, including 114 Child-Pugh A, 51 Child-Pugh B, 41 Child-Pugh C and 50 control patients. Total iodine content (ICt)/body surface area (BSA) in the cirrhosis group was significantly lower than the control group ( P < 0.05) and the standardized-iodine parameter (SI) of each segment decreased with cirrhosis progression. In Child-Pugh A and B, SI increased more significantly in the caudal and lateral segment in A (alcholism) than in the V (virus-related) and N (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis) groups ( P < 0.001). ICt/BSA showed the best diagnosis power of cirrhosis with an area under the curve of 0.765, sensitivity of 76.0% and specificity of 71.8%.

Conclusion

Blood flow compensated in the left lateral and caudal lobe in the early stage of liver cirrhosis. The compensation in alcoholism in the middle and early stages is significantly higher than that of V and N cirrhosis. Iodine mixed imaging in portal phase may provide the possibility of an incremental value in segmented blood flow perfusion and functional evaluation of liver cirrhosis on a morphological basis.
Improving Pedestrian Progression at Multistage Crossings Using Pedestrian–Left Turn Overlaps
Authors: Lao Felix Yik Kin , Furth Peter G.
Published: October 2023

At signalized intersections where pedestrian crossings are divided into two stages by using a median island, pedestrian delay can be very long if the partial-crossing phases have poor progression. One technique for reducing pedestrian delay is pedestrian–left turn overlaps, in which half-crossings that are not in conflict with a left turn are allowed to run during the left turn phase as well as during the parallel vehicle through phase. Such an overlap can enable some pedestrians to cross in a single pass, or to have a far shorter wait at the median. Because this technique requires surrendering some of the flexibility with which left turn phases normally operate—in phases with a pedestrian call, the left turn phase cannot be skipped and may require a longer minimum green—there can also be an impact on vehicle delay. A case study of two intersections in Brookline, MA found that, compared with the current timing plan, using pedestrian–left turn overlaps could reduce pedestrian delay from about 100 to 35 s, with a negligible impact on vehicle delay. A methodological innovation introduced in this study was that average pedestrian delay was calculated for three pedestrian speeds and averaged together, thus accounting for how pedestrian delay at multistage crossings can be far lower for faster pedestrians who may be able to cross in a single pass than for slower pedestrians who have to wait at the crossing island.
Perceived Community Belonging as a Moderator of the Association Between Sexual Orientation and Health and Well-Being
Authors: Chai Lei
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study examines the moderating role of perceived community belonging in the association between sexual orientation and various health and well-being outcomes.

Design

A national cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Confidential microdata from the 2021 Canadian Community Health Survey.

Subjects

Individuals aged 15 and older, with a sample size ranging from 43,000 to 44,100.

Measures

Sexual orientation, health and well-being outcomes, and sense of community belonging were all self-reported. Outcomes included self-rated general and mental health, depressive symptoms, and life satisfaction.

Analysis

A series of multiple linear regression models.

Results

Compared to heterosexual individuals, bisexual individuals reported poorer self-rated general health (b = .402, P < .001 for men; b = .454, P < .001 for women) and mental health (b = .520, P < .001 for men; b = .643, P < .001 for women), higher depressive symptoms (b = 2.140, P < .001 for men; b = 2.685, P < .001 for women), and lower life satisfaction (b = .383, P < .05 for men; b = .842, P < .001 for women). Few disparities were observed among gay men and lesbians. Contrary to some recent findings, no disparities were observed among individuals uncertain about their sexual orientation or those who chose not to disclose it, even without controlling for covariates. A stronger sense of community belonging mitigated the disadvantages associated with self-rated general health (b = -.276, P < .01) and depressive symptoms (b = -.983, P < .01) for gay men, and life satisfaction (b = -.621, P < .01) for lesbians.

Conclusion

This study is among the first to highlight the stress-buffering role of community belonging in the association between sexual orientation and health and well-being outcomes.
‘At Times it’s Too Difficult, it is Too Traumatic, it’s Too Much’: The Emotion Work of Domestic Abuse Helpline Staff During Covid-19
Authors: Maclean Chloe , Brodie Zara , Hawkins Roxanne , McKinlay Jack Cameron
Published: October 2023

During the Covid-19 lockdowns, domestic abuse helpline staff (DAHS) in the UK faced both a shift from working in an office to working-from-home and an increased demand for their services. This meant that during Covid-19, DAHS faced an increase in traumatic calls, and all within their own homes. This article explores the emotions work of DAHS to manage and work through their work-related emotions during Covid-19. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 11 UK-based DAHS, this article suggests that working-from-home during the Covid-19 lockdowns amplified emotions of anxiety, helplessness and guilt for DAHS alongside an evaporating emotional distance between work and home life. Engaging in leisure activities and increased online meetings with colleagues were emotion work practices that DAHS used to emotionally cope. This article demonstrates that emotion work fills in for, and masks, the structural insufficiencies of employer worker-wellbeing practices.
Human immunodeficiency virus care and management in incarcerated populations in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2010 and 2022: A narrative review
Authors: Annor Francis , Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Abbew Elizabeth Tabitha , Cudjoe Obed , Ayisi-Addo Stephen , Ashinyo Anthony , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas
Published: October 2023

Background

Different countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) have established guidelines to reduce HIV transmission and improve its management in prisons. This narrative review aimed to examine established literature on HIV care and management among incarcerated persons in SSA to identify successful interventions that could inform improved guidelines, policies, and practices related to the clinical care of this population.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and TRIP Medical Databases in August 2022 for articles published between 1st January 2010 and 30th June 2022. We identified 27 eligible articles based on the Population/Concept/Context framework.

Results

HIV screening primarily involved mass campaigns rather than formal prison programmes, with limited implementation of universal testing and treatment. Although a few studies reported on access to antiretrovirals (ARVs), prisoners in urban areas and females had disproportionate access. Barriers identified include poor living conditions, high levels of stigma, and resource constraints. Inter-prison transfers, release from prison, and lack of established programmes hindered follow-up and linkage to care.

Conclusions

The implementation of strategies such as universal testing and treatment, human resource strengthening, financing plans for testing, ARV care, and frequent assessment of risk could improve HIV care and management in prisons in SSA.
Dynamic event–triggered security control for stochastic partial differential equation systems via a unified pointwise measurement/control strategy
Authors: Guo Mengxin , Song Xiaona
Published: October 2023

This article focuses on the security control for parabolic partial differential equation systems driven by fractional Brownian motion based on a unified pointwise measurement/control strategy. Initially, by employing the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy rule, nonlinear stochastic systems are transformed into a series of linear subsystems. Then, based on the improved dynamic event-triggered mechanism and pointwise measurements method, a security controller is presented to resist deception attacks. In addition, the Lyapunov direct method and some novel inequalities are used to ensure the considered system is mean-square exponentially stable, and the gain of the point controller is obtained. Finally, an application example is provided to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.