bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Passion, Reasons and the Virtues as Perfecting Habits
Authors: Porter Jean
Published: February 2023

According to the spontaneity view of the role of the passions in moral deliberation, Aquinas holds that virtuous passions play an active role in moral deliberation, prior to the formation of moral judgement and choice. This article offers a qualified defense of this view. Qualified, because critics of this view are right to point out that Aquinas is generally suspicious of the passions, and he is careful to delimit the role that they can plan in processes of moral deliberation and choice. A defense, nonetheless, because Aquinas does give a positive role to virtuous passions in the early stages of moral discernment and deliberation, prior to judgement. Furthermore, Aquinas has strong reasons to defend something like the spontaneity view, given his overall view of the virtues as perfections of the powers they inform. That in itself does not necessarily mean that he does defend the spontaneity view, but it does suggest that we can develop such a defense out of what he does say, in such a way as to extend and clarify central elements of his moral theory.
Trajectory planning for autonomous vehicle based on window-constrained Pearl model
Authors: Lu Xiao , Liu Guang , Liu Haiqing , Rai Laxmisha , Wang Haixia
Published: February 2023

Speed guidance is a significant application in driver assistance system or driverless automated system. Considering the traditional Pearl model-based trajectory planning, this paper proposes an improved method based on window constraints to enhance the rationality at intersection positions. To solve the problem, where the slopes of traditional time-distance Pearl curve at the two boundaries generate relatively low values and which is not in accordance with the actual situation, a new window constraint is used to guide the vehicle passing through the intersection at a high speed. Regarding the new window constraints, together with the maximum speed, tolerating accelerated speed constraints, and traffic signal length constraints, a multi-variable and single objective optimization improved nonlinear programing scheme is applied to obtain the most comfort trajectory of passengers for speed guidance. Simulation results show that, the proposed method presents better performance in traveling time and trajectory smoothness compared with the traditional method under different initial vehicle speeds at upstream intersections and signal offset cases.
A novel self-learning framework for fault identification of wind turbine drive bearings
Authors: Yuan Jing , Liang Zeming , Wang Rongxi , Li Yufan , Wang Zhen , Gao Jianmin
Published: February 2023

The drive train is one of the core structures of a wind turbine, and its working condition seriously affects the performance quality. It is important to identify the fault pattern of the drive bearings in time to ensure the safety and reliability of the wind turbine. However, in traditional methods, offline modeling and online identification are often fragmented, and such a mechanism limits the adaptive updating of the model. To realize real-time updating and self-learning of the identification model, we proposed a novel self-learning framework for the intelligent fault identification of wind turbine drive bearings. First, a complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise analysis–based quantification scheme for intrinsic mode function values is proposed. Then, based on the intrinsic mode function values, we offer an attention mechanism for fault feature identification and construct an initial fault pattern database using unsupervised clustering techniques. Second, abnormal data are identified by the proposed artificial immunity–based outlier detection algorithm to determine the type of immune response. Third, we design an automatic update strategy based on incremental learning to realize adaptive creation, deletion, and modification of fault patterns. The proposed intelligent framework is applied to the fault diagnosis of a real offshore wind turbine drive train, showing its advantages in intelligent fault identification and model updating.
Global silences as privilege: The international community’s white silence on far-right terrorism
Authors: Martini Alice
Published: February 2023

Silences are not only absences in the spoken discourse or gaps in the discursive texture of international politics. They are important nodes of this texture and, as such, they constitute the political too. The said and the unsaid may work together to reify knowledge and shape international politics. Starting from this idea, this article scrutinizes global counter-terrorism as a discursive formation, composed of a spoken and an unspoken sphere. Within the silent dimension, the work focuses specifically on the silences in far-right terrorism and extremism. Scrutinizing global counter-terrorism as a racialized formation, the article argues that these silences are produced and reproduced by whiteness. Within the international community’s debates, whiteness gives rise to two kinds of silence – silence as the unspoken and the spoken as silencing. Examining them through the prism of whiteness, the article shows that these silences allow the maintenance of white privilege. This is the privilege of not being identified as a terrorist Other and not becoming the object of counter-terrorism measures, while having this privilege silenced and hidden. This work thus shows that, as gears of discursive formations, silences are racialized and may have colors – in this case, the color of white privilege.
Effectiveness of Neurofeedback Therapy Adjunct to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Agoraphobia: A Case Study
Authors: Paul Titiksha , Varshney Aakriti , Singh Anand Pratap
Published: February 2023

Agoraphobia has been defined as marked fear or anxiety being in enclosed or open places, using public transportation, and being in a crowd or outside of home alone. Such individuals make active attempts to avoid those places which cause intense distress. The neuronal areas that play a significant role in agoraphobia are uncinate fasciculus, which connects the prefrontal lobe and amygdala and various alterations in anterior cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, and lateral prefrontal cortex. Neurofeedback is a type of biofeedback which teaches self-control of brain functions by measuring brain waves with the help of electroencephalography (EEG) and providing a feedback signal. With the help of alpha and beta training protocol, neurofeedback therapy will help in enhancing the connectivity between prefrontal cortex and amygdala. The present study aims to explore the therapeutic effectiveness of neurofeedback therapy as an adjunct treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in patients with agoraphobia disorder. A single case study method was adopted. The patient having the symptoms of agoraphobia disorder diagnosed as per ICD-10 criteria was taken in the study. After going through detailed case history and mental status examination, the patient was assessed on psychological measures on baseline and other follow-up visits. A total of 18 therapeutic sessions of neurofeedback therapy (alpha and beta protocol) along with CBT were conducted. Intermittent assessments on Draw A Person Test (DAPT), EEG parameters, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS) were conducted to compare the pre- and post-assessment findings. The results indicated significant improvement in the symptoms of the patient after intervention. The pre- and post-assessment findings and the neurofeedback therapy along with CBT were observed to be effective in treating the symptoms of agoraphobia. Neurofeedback therapy and CBT were proven to be effective in removing the symptoms of agoraphobia disorder within the patient.
TLC-bioautography-MS-based Identification of Antioxidant, α-Amylase and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Compounds in a Polyherbal Formulation “Sugreen-120”
Authors: Gaurav  , Anwar Nabeel , Zahiruddin Sultan , Ahmad Sayeed
Published: February 2023

Background

Sugreen-120 is one of the famous Indian polyherbal formulations used for the treatment of diabetes. Due to a lack of scientific evidence, the present study is aimed at investigating the phytopharmacology of Sugreen-120 concerning its antioxidant and antidiabetic characteristics.

Materials and Methods

Total phenols and flavonoid content followed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging activity was estimated in Sugreen-120. α-Amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory action of Sugreen-120 was estimated to evaluate its antidiabetic potential. Thin layer chromatography (TLC)-bioautography-MS analysis was performed to determine DPPH free radical, α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory phytoconstituents in Sugreen-120. High performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC)-based quantitative analysis of Sugreen-120 was performed for the simultaneous separation of caffeic acid and kaempferol. In silico docking analysis was performed to determine the effect of Sugreen-120 metabolites against α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes.

Results

The results showed that Sugreen-120 is enriched in total phenols and flavonoids and even has good potential to scavenge DPPH free radicals with an inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 414.59 ± 4.925 µg/mL. In α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibitory assays, the efficacy of Sugreen-120 was found in a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 values were found as 220.106 ± 1.375 and 441.44 ± 1.992 µg/mL, respectively. TLC-bioautographic analysis showed that 06 constituents were found active against DPPH free radical, 04 constituents active against α-amylase and 03 constituents active against α-glucosidase. A HPTLC quantitative study revealed the content of caffeic acid and kaempferol to be 5.233 ± 0.026 and 16.959 ± 0.036 µg/mg, respectively. In silico docking analysis showed that out of 5 identified metabolites, myricetin, ellagic acid, and kaempferol were found with significant interaction with α-amylase and α-glucosidase proteins. Hence, it can be concluded that Sugreen-120 exhibits not only an antidiabetic effect but also antioxidant potential. It can be a palliative choice and an alternative that can be used for the treatment of diabetes.
Perinatal Transmission of Dengue Infection in a Neonate Presenting as Dengue Shock Syndrome
Authors: Pachauri Ankit , Tripathi Shalini , Kumar Mala
Published: February 2023

Dengue infection in perinatal period is associated with many maternal as well as neonatal complications. Vertical transmission of dengue has many complications in neonates too including shock and bleeding. Here we report a case of term neonate born to a dengue positive mother and developed dengue shock syndrome on day 3 of life with good outcome.
Determinants of Noninvasive Ventilation Failure Among Neonates with Respiratory Distress Admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: An Unmatched Case-Control Study Design
Authors: Yimer Solomon , Alemu Birhie , Demissie Dereje Bayissa
Published: February 2023

Background

Respiratory distress contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity in infants. The incidence of noninvasive ventilation failure is remarkably high. There is limited data available regarding noninvasive ventilation failure in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to identify determinants of noninvasive ventilation failure among neonates with respiratory distress admitted to the intensive care unit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia in 2022. This study was conducted from November 11, 2021, to January 30, 2022. A total of 237 charts (79 cases and 158 controls) were selected by a simple random sampling technique. Cases were defined as neonates who failed with noninvasive ventilation support while controls were successfully managed with noninvasive ventilation support. The data were abstracted from the facility-based data abstraction form. The data were cleaned, entered into Epidata version 4.4, and exported to SPSS version 25.0 software for analysis. Both binary and multiple logistic regression analyses were used to identify the determinants of noninvasive ventilation failure in neonates with respiratory distress with an adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with a 95% confidence level at P value < .05 used to declare determinants of a noninvasive ventilation failure. The mean birth weights of the neonates were 2.87 ± 0.85 SD kilograms and the mean gestational age was 35.02±2.66 SD. The current study determined that the incidence of noninvasive ventilation failure among neonates with respiratory distress was 20/100 per person-year in 2021. This study identified that determinants of noninvasive ventilation failure among neonates with respiratory distress were: very preterm neonates (AOR = 2.99 [95%CI: 1.11–8.12]); comorbid illness in mothers (AOR = 3.13 [95%CI: 1.55–6.33]), initiation of noninvasive ventilation at admission to the newborn intensive care unit (AOR = 2.63 [95%CI: 1.24–5.59]); oxygen saturation (SpO2) <85 and 85–93 SpO2 (AOR = 3.11 [95%CI: 1.32–7.32]) and (AOR = 2.75 [95%CI: 1.17–6.44]), Apgar score at 5 min <7(AOR = 3.19 [95%CI: 1.48–6.89]), and noninvasive ventilation through a home-made CPAP (AOR = 4.09 [95%CI: 1.82–9.20]), respectively.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The incidence rate of noninvasive ventilation failure among neonates is very high with identified determinants of noninvasive ventilation failures being comorbidity illness of the mother, Apgar score, Oxygen saturation at admission in %, ventilator modality of homemade CPAP, and initiation time of noninvasive ventilation. Therefore, policymakers and health planners would be better emphatically considering these identified determinants during neonatal training and guideline development for better neonatal noninvasive ventilation outcomes.
Introducing SAMMSA, a Five-Step Method for Producing ‘Quality’ Qualitative Analysis
Authors: Macdonald Mary Ellen , Siedlikowski Sophia , Liu Kevin , Carnevale Franco A.
Published: February 2023

Qualitative health research is ever growing in sophistication and complexity. While much has been written about many components (e.g. sampling and methods) of qualitative design, qualitative analysis remains an area still needing advanced reflection. Qualitative analysis often is the most daunting and intimidating component of the qualitative research endeavor for both teachers and learners alike. Working collaboratively with research trainees, our team has developed SAMMSA (Summary & Analysis coding, Micro themes, Meso themes, Syntheses, and Analysis), a 5-step analytic process committed to both clarity of process and rich ‘quality’ qualitative analysis. With roots in hermeneutics and ethnography, SAMMSA is attentive to data holism and guards against the data fragmentation common in some versions of thematic analysis. This article walks the reader through SAMMSA’s 5 steps using research data from a variety of studies to demonstrate our process. We have used SAMMSA with multiple qualitative methodologies. We invite readers to tailor SAMMSA to their own work and let us know about their processes and results.
Mitigation of Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea Using Adjunct Music Listening: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kiernan Jason Micheal , Vallerand April Hazard
Published: February 2023

The persistence of chemotherapy-induced nausea (CIN) underscores the need to consider nonpharmacologic treatments such as music listening as adjunct interventions. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and overall effects of a 30-minute adjunct music listening intervention in 12 patients experiencing CIN. Music listening was started at the time participants took their as-needed antiemetic medication, and it was repeated as needed during the 5 days after chemotherapy. Data for 66 music listening engagements were collected. A significant reduction of nausea severity ( t = 10.97, p < .001) and distress ( t = 9.86, p < .001) was noted overall, as well as significant reductions when examining the acute and delayed phases of nausea individually. Qualitative data on study feasibility demonstrated the intervention was well received by participants and held minimal operational difficulty. Investigator feasibility data suggested good understanding of data collection tools. Improvements to the study design have been collected and will form the basis of the future randomized controlled trial.
Alectinib in a patient with ALK-positive non-small lung cancer unable to swallow capsules
Authors: Ishiura Yoshihisa , Nomura Shosaku , Ishii Yuka , Imai Kai , Nakahama Kahori , Sawai Yusuke , Tamaki Takeshi , Shimizu Toshiki , Miyashita Naoyuki , Ito Tomoki
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The treatment landscape of metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has changed dramatically in the last decade. Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement has been a focus of interest since ALK inhibitors produced outstanding clinical results compared with chemotherapy with cytotoxic agents in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC.

Case report

We present the case of a 56-year-old woman with metastatic ALK-positive NSCLC and an inability to swallow capsules or tablets. Unfortunately, all ALK inhibitors are capsule or tablet formulations.

Management and outcome

We, therefore, decided to administer alectinib orally by opening the capsules and suspending the contents in water. Clinical imaging performed 12 months after initiating alectinib therapy indicated a complete response (CR). After 54 months of follow-up, CR has been maintained, and oral alectinib therapy has continued with no recurrence of the swallowing disturbance.

Discussion

There are no current guidelines for oral targeted therapy in patients with swallowing disturbance, but alectinib administered orally by opening the capsules and suspending the contents in water can be a treatment option in patients with ALK-positive NSCLC and swallowing difficulty.
Evaluating a Theory-Based Online Program for Preventing Sexual Aggression: An Experimental-Longitudinal Study With German University Students
Authors: Tomaszewska Paulina , Schuster Isabell , Krahé Barbara
Published: February 2023

This pre-registered study evaluated an intervention designed to reduce sexual aggression perpetration and victimization by changing risky scripts for consensual sexual interactions and corresponding risky sexual behavior, and by improving sexual self-esteem, refusal assertiveness, and initiation assertiveness. In a four-wave longitudinal study covering 23 months, 1181 university students in Germany (762 female) were randomly assigned to an intervention and a no-intervention control group. The intervention group completed six weekly modules addressing the targeted theory-based risk and vulnerability factors of sexual aggression perpetration and victimization. Controlling for baseline levels (T1), the intervention group showed less risky sexual scripts one week post-intervention (T2), which predicted less risky sexual behavior nine months later (T3), which predicted lower odds of sexual aggression perpetration and victimization 12 months later (T4). No direct intervention effects on rates of sexual aggression perpetration and victimization at T3 and T4 were found. No indirect intervention effect on sexual aggression was found via sexual self-esteem and sexual assertiveness. However, sexual self-esteem at T2, which was higher in the intervention group, predicted lower odds of sexual aggression victimization at T3 via higher initiation assertiveness at T3. Implications for reducing sexual aggression and conceptualizing risk and vulnerability factors of sexual aggression are discussed.
Radioiodine treatment in hyperthyroid cats: insights into the characteristics of owners and their cats, and owner motivation and perceptions
Authors: De Voogt Charlotte , Williams Lianie , Stammeleer Lisa , Peremans Kathelijne , Vandermeulen Eva , Paepe Dominique , Daminet Sylvie
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Radioiodine (131I) therapy is the most appropriate treatment option for many hyperthyroid cats, as it is minimally invasive and often curative. Nevertheless, 131I treatment is not always pursued by owners. Hence, it is important to obtain more insight into owner satisfaction during and after 131I treatment, and their decision-making process. In this study, we describe the characteristics of owners and their hyperthyroid cats referred for 131I therapy, and determine owners’ motivation and how they experienced the 131I treatment of their cat.

Methods

A survey was sent to owners whose cats underwent 131I therapy (n = 1071) between 2010 and 2017 at Ghent University. The survey contained 35 questions with tick-box or free-text answer options concerning family situation, pet insurance, previous therapy, comorbidities, motivation for 131I therapy and owner perception of this treatment.

Results

In total, 438 owners completed 94% or more of the questionnaire. Over half of the cats (55%) had received previous medical, dietary or surgical treatment. Motivations for changing the initial therapy to 131I therapy included difficulties in administering medication (31%), insufficient improvement in clinical signs (23%), side effects (16%) and following the referring veterinarian’s advice (16%). Almost a fifth of owners (18%) were not informed about the existence of 131I therapy by their veterinarian and found information on 131I treatment online or through friends. Hospitalising their cat was very distressing for 17% of owners. Most owners (92%) were satisfied with the treatment. Reasons for dissatisfaction were insufficient communication, iatrogenic hypothyroidism, persistent hyperthyroidism and comorbidities post-treatment.

Conclusions and relevance

Our study stresses the importance of communication regarding the possible outcome of 131I treatment, the importance of managing underlying comorbidities before treatment and anticipating the stress of owners during their cat’s hospitalisation period. The results of this study could help in improving client communication when advising on 131I treatment.
Hair cortisol levels in cats with and without behavioural problems
Authors: Wojtaś Justyna
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The aim of the study was to analyse hair cortisol levels in cats whose owners had reported behavioural problems and undesirable behaviour. In addition, feline hair cortisol levels were compared between sexes, for indoor and outdoor cats and also for cats living in single or multi-cat households.

Methods

In total, 55 cats participated in the study, including 31 females and 24 males from various households. The cats belonged to 25 different owners who answered a questionnaire survey. The biological material used for the research were 2–3 cm fragments of hair removed at the level of the skin with scissors by the owners from the cats’ lumbosacral area. The cortisol concentration in the samples was determined with the DRG Salivary Cortisol HS ELISA. Statistical analysis of the results was performed with Statistica 13.3.

Results

A tendency toward lower cortisol levels was found in outdoor cats vs indoor cats (U = 251.5, P = 0.066). It was also found that the cats exhibiting behavioural problems (eg, house soiling [eliminating outside the litter box]) or aggressive behaviour towards household members had statistically significantly higher hair cortisol levels (U = 162.0 [ P = 0.027] and U = 9.0 [ P = 0.040], respectively).

Conclusions and relevance

High levels of stress in cats can affect their interactions with other cats and with humans. The incidence of undesirable behaviour was observed more frequently in indoor cats. Significantly higher cortisol levels were found in cats that eliminated outside the litter box or that showed aggression towards their owners.
Analysis of influencing factors associated with the time between cataract surgery and Nd:YAG laser posterior capsulotomy
Authors: Zhang Yaping , Wu Yazhen , Liang Jiaojiao , Xie Xue , Wang Haiyan , Chi Hui , Yan Hong
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To retrospectively analyze the clinical data of large samples of YAG laser posterior capsulotomy, and to explore the influencing factors of time from cataract surgery to YAG laser capsulotomy (TFCSTLC), so as to provide reference for the occurrence and treatment of real-world posterior capsular opacification (PCO).

Methods

1093 patients (1093 eyes) with PCO who underwent YAG laser posterior capsulotomy from 2014 to 2019 in the largest eye center of northwest China were analyzed retrospectively. The gender, age, systemic complications, material, and design of intraocular lens (IOL) and TFCSTLC were recorded. The test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were applied to analyze and compare the average TFCSTLC values under different factors, and the relationship between each factor and TFCSTLC was analyzed by multiple linear regression.

Results

The average TFCSTLC was 19.2 (range, 7.9 ∼ 31.2) months. There were significant statistical differences in TFCSTLC among the implanted single focus versus multifocal IOLs ( P < 0.001), diabetic versus non-diabetic patients ( P < 0.001), high myopia versus non-high myopia patients ( P = 0.003). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that TFCSTLC was negatively correlated in patients with diabetes mellitus versus with no history of diabetes mellitus (coefficient, −5.36; 95% confidence interval [CI], −8.30 to −2.41; P < 0 .001), and multifocal IOL versus a single focus IOL implanted (coefficient, −5.56 ; 95% CI, −9.01 to −2.11; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

TFCSTLC may be affected by many factors in the real world. The YAG laser posterior capsulotomy time was sooner in patients with a history of diabetes mellitus and multifocal IOL implanted.
Intracorneal ring segment implantation in advanced Keratoconus
Authors: Dockery Philip W. , Parker John S. , Massenzio Erik M. , Parker Jack S.
Published: February 2023

Purpose

To compare the clinical outcomes of intracorneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation in eyes with advanced vs. mild/moderate keratoconus (KCN).

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 141 eyes of 111 patients with KCN who underwent ICRS implantation. Preoperative maximum keratometry (Kmax) was <57 diopters (D) in 70 eyes and >57 D in 71 eyes. Postoperatively, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), Kmax, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were assessed at 1 day, 1 month, and 1 year.

Results

Corneas with a preoperative Kmax >57 D experienced greater reduction in axial curvature after ICRS implantation than corneas with a preoperative Kmax <57 D (7.0 D vs. 5.5 D, p=0.005) and gained more Snellen lines of CDVA (3 vs. 1, p<0.001) by 1 year postoperatively. The incidences of the most prevalent complications (explantation, extrusion, and infectious keratitis) did not differ significantly between the two groups (p=0.29, p=0.99, p=0.98).

Conclusions

The visual and topographic effects of ICRS implantation are greater in eyes with more advanced KCN, with no increase in the incidence of the most common complications.
Realising decolonising spaces: relational accountability in research events
Authors: Jones Tod , Dowling Carol , Porter Libby , Kickett-Tucker Cheryl , Cox Shaphan
Published: February 2023

Research events are important places where disciplinary structures and norms are reproduced and challenged. This article uses the authors’ experiences organising a geography research event on decolonising settler cities on Wadjuk Nyungar Country in Perth, Western Australia, to interrogate the transformations that a decolonising ethic demands. Learning with the Indigenous research method of yarning as a decolonising practice, we document and reflect on the persistence a decolonising ethic requires. This project concretely revealed the interconnection between transformation at the micro-level—event conceptualisation, design, placement, and conduct—and building challenges to settler-colonial structures and institutions. We conclude by interrogating the structural barriers for multi-epistemic engagement and learning and propose three principles for non-Indigenous researchers to more fully understand the invitation of being in a relationship with what has always been here: Indigenous sovereignties of law, place, and knowledge.
Practicing to sing in chorus: Challenges and opportunities of collaborative inquiry-based learning in an Iranian EFL secondary school context
Authors: Parsaiyan Seyyedeh Fahimeh , Gholami Haniyeh
Published: February 2023

Not dissimilar to many other English as a foreign language (EFL) contexts, inquiry-based approaches to teaching and learning English appear to be both under-implemented and under-researched in Iranian English education settings, particularly in the public sector. In this study, the researchers explored the challenges and opportunities of teaching English based on collaborative inquiry-based learning (IBL) in an Iranian EFL secondary school context. To that end, supplementary teaching materials and classroom practices were developed for one of the national English textbooks, drawing upon inquiry phases of engagement in the topic of inquiry, exploring various sources, explaining the collected information collaboratively, and extending understanding. The participants of the study were 60 students taking English, as a compulsory school subject, in a vocational high school. The data for the study were collected through multiple sources including a semester-long class observation, teacher reflective journals, student-generated documents, and focus group interviews. The analysis of the data revealed that the students initially faced several challenges in their shift of paradigm from conventional to IBL practices, chiefly among which was their lack of tendency to sing in tune as community members. Notwithstanding the challenges, the practices also provided them with several learning opportunities like developing a searching spirit, practicing autonomy, creativity, team working, as well as voicing the self in a foreign language. We hope the research findings and classroom practices will be inspirational for curriculum designers, materials developers, and English teachers both in the Iranian context of English education and other EFL contexts worldwide.
Barriers to service and unmet need among autistic adolescents and young adults
Authors: Ishler Karen J , Berg Kristen A , Olgac Tugba , Obeid Rita , Biegel David E
Published: February 2023

Many of the nearly six million autistic adolescents and adults in the United States require support to navigate daily life. Family members often provide the first line of support for autistic youth by providing care and coordinating services. Although considerable research has examined the perspectives of family members caring for young autistic children, comparatively less has focused on those caring for transition-age youth who often struggle to access needed services as they leave child-serving systems of care. This study examined caregiver-reported barriers to service for 174 adolescents and young adults on the spectrum (ages 16–30) and the association between such barriers and unmet service needs. Exploratory factor analysis suggested two service barrier domains: access (e.g., cost) and quality (e.g., providers not trained). Regression models indicated that caregivers whose youth were diagnosed at older ages perceived both greater access and quality barriers. Male caregivers reported fewer access barriers, and those who perceived greater caregiver burdens (daily life disruptions, financial difficulties, and worries) reported more access barriers. Caregivers whose youth lived with them reported fewer quality barriers. Greater access–but not quality–service barriers predicted greater unmet service needs. Findings have implications for service delivery to autistic youth and specific directions for future research.

Lay Abstract

Prior studies have described the roadblocks, or barriers, to needed services experienced by families with young autistic children, but less research has focused on those faced by autistic adolescents and young adults. In this study, we wished to understand the barriers to service experienced by autistic adolescents and young adults and their families. We surveyed 174 caregivers of autistic youth between 16 to 30 years old. We found that caregivers who felt more caregiving burden had more difficulty accessing services for their youth. Specifically, caregivers who felt more strongly that their daily lives had been disrupted, felt more financial strain, and worried more about their youth well-being experienced more roadblocks to getting services for the youth. Male caregivers also reported fewer difficulties related to service access. Importantly, the older the youth was when they had been diagnosed with autism, the more service barriers their caregivers reported. We did not see any differences in the level of barriers experienced by youth who lived in urban versus suburban settings, or between white and non-white families. However, when youth lived with their caregivers (rather than, for example, in a group home), fewer quality-related barriers to services were reported. Finally, greater access (but not quality) barriers were linked to youth having more unmet service needs. These findings can help to reduce the barriers to service experienced by autistic adolescents and young adults and their families.
The development of an IT-based intervention to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral change
Authors: Christiansen Pernille Kjaergaard , Rothmann Mette Juel , Skjøth Mette Maria , Kjær Trine , Vinter Christina Anne , Lorenzen Line Elberg , Draborg Eva
Published: February 2023

Background: Pregnancy and the postpartum period are difficult times with increased risks of weight gain and weight retention. This study aims to provide new insights into developing and designing information an communication technology interventions to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral changes.Methods: A participatory design approach, combined with the behavior change wheel, was applied. The intervention was based on outcomes from co-creation with postpartum parents, healthcare professionals, IT consultants, and researchers.Results: An intervention was developed that reflects users’ requests and needs to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle through behavioral change. The intervention includes podcasts, video exercises, weight tracking, and weekly push notifications.Conclusion: Developing an intervention to support a healthy postpartum lifestyle is feasible using both a participatory design and the behavior change wheel.
Object lessons and the desire of psychoanalysis
Authors: Fischer Julien
Published: February 2023

In this article, “Object Lessons and the Desire of Psychoanalysis,” I meditate on the significance of Robyn Wiegman‘s 2012 monograph Object Lessons by examining the psychoanalytic significance of the concept of “transferential idealism” that Wiegman first introduced there. In doing so, I read Wiegman‘s Object Lessons through the lens of the book‘s psychoanalytic ethics and argue that the desire of Object Lessons is the desire of psychoanalysis: an enigmatic desire, borne from lack, which aims toward the proliferation of difference. By foregrounding the psychoanalytic desire of Object Lessons, I also consider my own inheritances of the desire of Object Lessons as the desire of psychoanalysis, and argue for its urgent importance for the field of Trans Studies today.
Managing networks: Cohesion and fluidity in EU climate cooperation with European neighbours
Authors: Shyrokykh Karina , Dellmuth Lisa , Funk Elisa
Published: February 2023

The European Union (EU) is increasingly relying on regional policy networks to govern climate change outside its borders, both in the areas of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Although the functioning of such policy networks has consequences for climate policy in participating countries, little is known about the role of such networks. This article focuses on the example of climate cooperation with the European Neighbourhood Policy region, conceptualizing the EU as a network manager. Using a novel dataset on climate networks in the European Neighbourhood Policy region for the period 2013–2017, we show that the EU uses climate networks for multiple purposes. The results suggest that the EU uses climate networks not only to mitigate the risks associated with climate change, but also to manage varying contexts in the region.
Mass Spectrometry-Based Glycoproteomic Workflows for Cancer Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Doud Emma H. , Yeh Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2023

Glycosylation has a clear role in cancer initiation and progression, with numerous studies identifying distinct glycan features or specific glycoproteoforms associated with cancer. Common findings include that aggressive cancers tend to have higher expression levels of enzymes that regulate glycosylation as well as glycoproteins with greater levels of complexity, increased branching, and enhanced chain length1. Research in cancer glycoproteomics over the last 50-plus years has mainly focused on technology development used to observe global changes in glycosylation. Efforts have also been made to connect glycans to their protein carriers as well as to delineate the role of these modifications in intracellular signaling and subsequent cell function. This review discusses currently available techniques utilizing mass spectrometry-based technologies used to study glycosylation and highlights areas for future advancement.
Upregulation of OTX2-AS1 is Associated With Immune Infiltration and Predicts Prognosis of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Han Quan-li , Cui Zhi , Wang Qi , Pang Fang , Li Dongbing , Wang Dongliang
Published: February 2023

Background

It is unclear whether the long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) OTX2 antisense RNA 1 (OTX2-AS1) plays a pivotal role in gastric cancer (GC). An analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database data and bioinformatics was used to explore the relationship between OTX2-AS1 and GC in the current study.

Methods

We evaluated the relationship between clinical features and OTX2-AS1 expression, prognostic factors, and the significant involvement of OTX2-AS1 in function using various statistical methods, such as Kaplan–Meier method, Cox regression analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), and immune infiltration analysis. GC cell lines were tested for OTX2-AS1 expression using qRT-PCR.

Results

A high level of OTX2-AS1 expression was significantly and negatively associated with Helicobacter pylori ( H pylori) infection in GC patients ( P = .006) and predicted a poorer overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.10-2.14; P = .011), progression-free interval (PFI) (HR: 1.75; 95% CI: 1.22-2.51; P = .002) and disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR: 1.85; 95% CI: 1.21-2.85; P = .005) in GC patients. There was an independent correlation between OTX2-AS1 expression (HR: 1.771; 95% CI: 1.164-2.696; P = .008) and OS in patients with GC. There were differential enrichments for the OTX2-AS1 high expression phenotype in the olfactory transduction, G alpha (s) signaling events, keratinization, olfactory signaling pathway, and preimplantation embryo. OTX2-AS1 expression may be related to certain immune-infiltrating cells. Compared to gastric epithelial cells (GES-1), GC cell lines showed a significant increase in OTX2-AS1 expression.

Conclusion

There was a significant association between OTX2-AS1 expression in GC patients and poor survival, suggesting that it may be a useful biomarker for prognosis and immunotherapy outcome of stomach adenocarcinoma (STAD) in GC.
Association of heme-oxygenase 1, hemopexin, and heme levels with markers of disease severity in COVID-19
Authors: de Lima Franciele , Moraes Carla Roberta Peachazepi , Barbosa Mayck Silva , Bombassaro Bruna , Palma André C , Dertkigil Sergio San Juan , Moretti Maria Luiza , Orsi Fernanda Andrade , Annichino-Bizzacchi Joyce M , Mansour Eli , Velloso Licio A , De Paula Erich Vinicius
Published: February 2023

Heme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) is an enzyme with well-known anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, whose levels have been previously associated with disease severity in the context of sterile and infectious diseases. Moreover, the heme/HO-1 pathway has been associated with prothrombotic changes in other diseases. Accordingly, the potential of modulating HO-1 levels for the treatment of COVID-19 was extensively speculated during the COVID-19 pandemic, but very few actual data were generated. The aim of our study was to explore the association of HO-1, heme, and hemopexin (HPX) levels with COVID-19 severity and with markers of inflammation and coagulation activation. The study was conducted in 30 consecutive patients with COVID-19 admitted due to hypoxemia, and 30 healthy volunteers matched by sex, age, and geographic region. HO-1 and HPX levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay (ELISA) and heme levels were measured by a colorimetric method. A comprehensive panel of coagulation and fibrinolysis activation was also used. Patients with COVID-19 presented increased levels of HO-1 when compared to controls (5741 ± 2696 vs 1953 ± 612 pg/mL, respectively, P < 0.0001), as well as a trend toward increased levels of HPX (3.724 ± 0.880 vs 3.254 ± 1.022 mg/mL, respectively; P = 0.06). In addition, HO-1 and HPX levels reduced from admission to day + 4. HO-1 levels were associated with duration of intensive care unit stay and with several markers of coagulation activation. In conclusion, modulation of HO-1 could be associated with the prothrombotic state observed in COVID-19, and HO-1 could also represent a relevant biomarker for COVID-19. New independent studies are warranted to explore and expand these findings.
Parks, People, and Pollution: A Relational Study of Socioenvironmental Succession
Authors: Tollefson Jonathan , Frickel Scott , Gonsalves Summer , Marlow Thomas
Published: February 2023

The urban environmental inequality literature holds that marginalized communities are generally concentrated in neighborhoods with greater levels of industrial pollution and lesser access to parks and playfields. Yet, “green” and “brown” land uses are also linked historically and through contemporary practices of green redevelopment. This article thus begins from the understanding that it is important to analyze both forms of urban land use at once, to avoid mistaking one historical process for another. Focusing on Providence, Rhode Island (1970–2010), we leverage original historical data on the location and operating years of public parks alongside comprehensive industrial site data to analyze the joint transformation of residential populations, parks, and industry over time. We find that park access generally increases for Latinx residents; however, after accounting for increases in park access associated with past industrial land use, we find that census tracts with growing proportions of African American residents are associated with relatively less access to parks than other census tracts. Results reveal additional dimensions to the role of industrial history in shaping the socioenvironmental trajectory of local neighborhoods and additionally emphasize the importance of a historical and relational view of urban land use in urban environmental research.
Teaching Her Way Through the American West: Estelle Philleo’s Journey as a Piano Teacher
Authors: Sampsel Laurie J. , Puscher Donald M.
Published: February 2023

The history of female piano teachers, especially those working with children, remains largely unstudied. Estelle Philleo (1880–1936) is one example from the early 20th century who specialized in group lessons for beginners. A New Woman who never married, she began as a junior piano teacher at the Michigan Female Seminary before graduating in 1902. After moving to Denver around 1906, she continued teaching and began composing. Philleo traveled widely in the West conducting Melody Way campaigns during the 1920s. The year after she died, Willis Music published her teaching pieces, Two Pastimes on the Black Keys. She is remembered today primarily for her 1917 hit song, “Out Where the West Begins.” Philleo’s work as a composer and performer garnered the press coverage that makes documenting her career possible. Newspaper articles are the primary sources used to explore her three-pronged career as an educator, composer, and performer. She used her traditional career as a music educator to support work unexpected for a woman—writing and performing music about the American West. This article explores Philleo’s teaching career, which spanned more than three decades. By doing so, it contributes to the history of female class piano teachers in the United States.
Assessing Academics’ COVID-19-Induced Emergency Remote Teaching Experiences Using Transformative Learning Theory
Authors: Mabwe Kumbirai , Chiyaka Edward T. , Sithole Alec
Published: February 2023

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, several educational institutions were thrust into a forced culture change as learning, teaching, and assessment moved from traditional face-to-face (F2F) instruction to remote delivery with a profound effect on pedagogy. This paper uses transformative learning theory to explore various aspects of academics’ transition from face-to-face to remote teaching. Findings from an online cross-sectional survey of academics in higher education institutions ( n = 95) indicate that academics were confronted with a disorienting dilemma that challenged previously unquestioned teaching experiences, beliefs, and values upon transition to remote teaching. This was followed by reflection, adoption, and implementation of different modes of instructional delivery. The results indicate statistically significant differences in critical reflection, openness, and teaching differently based on race. As higher education institutions transition to a “new” phase of instructional delivery, re-thinking professional development and support for the transformed academic in a new operating environment that remains prone to disruptive events becomes imperative.
Three Player Interactions in Urban Settings: Design Challenges for Autonomous Vehicles
Authors: Nathanael Dimitris , Papakostopoulos Vassilis
Published: February 2023

An observational analysis of crossing episodes between two intersecting vehicles, in which a third road user clearly affected its evolution, was conducted in an attempt to identify (i) recurring patterns of informal coordination among road users and (ii) traffic situational invariances that may inform AV prediction algorithms. The term BLOCK-EXPLOITING is introduced to describe a driver’s exploitation of situational opportunities to gain priority often contrary to regulatory provisions, but favouring overall traffic efficiency. Video-data from an urban stop-controlled intersection were analysed through the lens of joint systems theory using a phenomenological framework developed in this study. Four generic types of BLOCK-EXPLOITING were identified (i.e. covering, ghost-covering, piggybacking, sneaking). Covering and ghost-covering led to minimal or no delays while piggybacking and sneaking, although abusive to other drivers, still only resulted in 1.99 to 3.33 sec delay. It is advocated that BLOCK-EXPLOITING can be socially acceptable. Proposed design challenges for AVs in mixed traffic include the ability to (i) distinguish BLOCK-EXPLOITING from errant driving, (ii) recognise to whom a ‘space-offering’ is addressed, and (iii) assess the appropriateness or abusiveness of a BLOCK-EXPLOITING action. Finally, this study brings to fore very short-time span joint-activity coordination requirements among diverse agents unknown to each other.