bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing Ability Recovery of the Sequential IRT Model With Unstructured Multiple-Attempt Data
Authors: Li Ziying , Huggins-Manley A. Corinne , Leite Walter L. , Miller M. David , Wright Eric A.
Published: March 2022

The unstructured multiple-attempt (MA) item response data in virtual learning environments (VLEs) are often from student-selected assessment data sets, which include missing data, single-attempt responses, multiple-attempt responses, and unknown growth ability across attempts, leading to a complex and complicated scenario for using this kind of data set as a whole in the practice of educational measurement. It is critical that methods be available for measuring ability from VLE data to improve VLE systems, monitor student progress in instructional settings, and conduct educational research. The purpose of this study is to explore the ability recovery of the multidimensional sequential 2-PL IRT model in unstructured MA data from VLEs. We conduct a simulation study to evaluate the effects of the magnitude of ability growth and the proportion of students who make two attempts, as well as the moderated effects of sample size, test length, and missingness, on the bias and root mean square error of ability estimates. Results show that the model poses promise for evaluating ability in unstructured VLE data, but that some data conditions can result in biased ability estimates.
Impact of FDI and Its Absorption Capacity on the National Innovation Ecosystems: Evidence from the Largest FDI Recipient Countries of the World
Authors: Haq Naveed Ul
Published: March 2022

Foreign direct investment (FDI) improves economic growth by stimulating native investment, facilitating technology transfers in the recipient country and increasing human capital development, thus playing a vital role in economic development. On the other hand, innovation is also considered one of the major drivers for the economic growth of a country. This study empirically investigates the impact of FDI and its absorption capacity on the national innovation system of the world’s top five largest FDI recipient countries for the period of 1990–2016. Using two-stage analysis (DEA and Tobit regression), we found that research and development expenditures, researchers in the host country and the number of patents, trademark and industrial design applications are positive drivers of the national innovation systems. Moreover, the FDI inflows positively impact the innovation efficiency in the host countries. However, the strength of this relationship depends on the availability of the absorption capacity of FDI in the host country. The result shows that the global financial crisis and inflation negatively impact the FDI inflows and innovation efficiency in the sample countries. It concludes that FDI inflows and the country’s strength of domestic absorption capacity are essential drivers for developing national innovation ecosystems.

JEL Codes: F1, F4, G10, M21
Ergonomic Risk Assessment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons – RULA Applied to Objective Kinematic Data
Authors: Weitbrecht Moritz , Holzgreve Fabian , Fraeulin Laura , Haenel Jasmin , Betz Werner , Erbe Christina , Maurer-Grubinger Christian , Wanke Eileen M. , Brueggmann Doerthe , Nienhaus Albert , Groneberg David A. , Ohlendorf Daniela
Published: March 2022

Background

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders is high in oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OS) due to their static and contorted working positions. Hence, the aim of this study was to conduct posture analyses in this specific group of dental professionals using the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA).

Methods

In total, 15 (12 m/3 f) OS participated in this study. An inertial motion capture system (Xsens) was used to collect kinematic data during a simulated workflow. Computer-based routines calculated the RULA score for the extracted joint angles at each defined time point. Then, an analysis of the time-dependent RULA scores by body regions was conducted. Key variables were the relative occurrence of specific RULA scores during the complete workflow, individual subtasks, and for treatment of each of the four different dental quadrants. The subtasks and dental quadrants were compared using the Friedman test.

Results

The total median RULA score represented a high risk for OS during their work (7), including the temporal component (OS spent 77.54% of their working time with a RULA score of 7). The wrists and hands, elbows, lower arms, and the neck were exposed to postures with the highest risk for musculoskeletal strain.

Discussion

For OS, both the right and the left assisting hand were heavily strained while working on the first dental quadrant caused the most unfavorable postures for OS.
Narratives of workplace resistance: Reframing Saudi women in leadership
Authors: Jamjoom Liela A , Mills Albert J
Published: March 2022

Despite considerable social, economic, and organizational advancements that Saudi women have achieved in the past two decades, research on Saudi women in leadership continues to focus on the structural, organizational, and societal challenges the women face. Often missing from analyses are the micro ways in which the women resist and negotiate with/against organizational challenges. Using a postcolonial feminist lens, we asked: how do Saudi women leaders resist power in the workplace? This question was posed to reinsert the value of Saudi women within organizational narratives, generate deeper understanding of a marginalized group of women, and understand resistance as located within socio-political-ethical structures. Our contributions are threefold: (1) this study advances the literature on Saudi women in organizations by focusing on resistance as a point of entry and analysis; (2) we add a less antagonistic relationship between power/resistance, and reconceptualize agency/resistance as one inclusive of subtle and individual forms of resistance, and one that moves beyond the limits of the liberal imaginary; (3) our study also adds to the burgeoning scholarship on workplace resistance in non-Western contexts, which advocates for situated knowledge and the decolonization of management.
Statewide Evaluation of SARS-CoV-2 Diagnoses and Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Authors: Jackson Tracy L. , Chan Philip A. , Scout NFN , Nocera Lauren S. , Crooks Denise , McCormick Winston , Bowman Sarah , Lasher Leanne , Sarvestani Amir Sabet , Chambers Laura C.
Published: March 2022

Objective:

Understanding and identifying disparities in COVID-19 testing outcomes can help allocate resources to where they are most needed. The objective of this study was to estimate the association between lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) identity and SARS-CoV-2 test positivity.

Methods:

Data were from the Rhode Island SARS-CoV-2 surveillance database and included tests scheduled from June 8, 2020, through January 15, 2021. We used multivariable generalized estimating equations accounting for repeat testing to estimate the odds of receiving a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2 by LGBTQ+ identity and race/ethnicity, adjusting for sociodemographic and temporal confounders.

Results:

In multivariable analysis of 232 025 tests, LGBTQ+ people had lower odds of receiving a positive test result than cisgender heterosexual people (5.4% vs 8.7%; adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.59-0.68). Compared with cisgender heterosexual White people, LGBTQ+ White people were significantly less likely (aOR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.61-0.73) and cisgender heterosexual people of color were significantly more likely (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.64-1.78) to receive a positive test result. LGBTQ+ people of color had similar test positivity (aOR = 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79-1.02) as cisgender heterosexual White people. People in sexual minority groups were significantly less likely than heterosexual people to receive a positive test result, but we found no significant differences in test results among cisgender, transgender, and gender nonconforming people.

Conclusions:

LGBTQ+ people may be less likely than heterosexual people to receive a positive test result for SARS-CoV-2, potentially related to protective health practices and greater social isolation. Addressing racial and ethnic disparities among both LGBTQ+ people and cisgender heterosexual people should be a priority of the public health workforce.
Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Among Male Veterans and Nonveterans, 2016-2018
Authors: Boersma Peter , Cohen Robin A. , Zelaya Carla E. , Moy Ernest
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends persons aged ≥6 months receive an influenza vaccination annually, and certain adults aged ≥19 years receive the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine alone or in series with the 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, depending on age, chronic conditions, and smoking status. This study examines the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination relative to Healthy People 2020 goals to understand how vaccination receipt differs by veteran status and sociodemographic subgroups.

Methods:

We analyzed pooled data from the 2016-2018 National Health Interview Survey (N = 35 094) in 2021 to estimate the prevalence of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination for men aged 25-64 years and for men aged ≥65 years by veteran status and selected sociodemographic subgroups. We used 2-tailed t tests with an α = .05 to identify significant differences.

Results:

Among men, 44.7% of veterans and 33.5% of nonveterans aged 25-64 years and 71.0% of veterans and 64.9% of nonveterans aged ≥65 years received an influenza vaccine in the past year. Among men aged 25-64 years at high risk for pneumococcal disease, 35.9% of veterans and 20.8% of nonveterans had ever received ≥1 dose of any pneumococcal vaccination. Disparities in the prevalence of vaccination within examined sociodemographic characteristics were often smaller in magnitude among veterans than among nonveterans for both vaccinations.

Conclusions:

Vaccination rates were below Healthy People 2020 targets for both groups, except influenza vaccination among veterans aged ≥65 years. Understanding differences in vaccine uptake may inform efforts to improve vaccination rates by identifying subgroups who are at high risk of disease and have low vaccination rates.
Domestic environments, urban air and climate change
Authors: Sharan Awadhendra
Published: March 2022

Climate change and the pandemic, each in its own way, has powerfully drawn our attention to the imbrication of human lives with non-humans. In this article, I attempt to address these linkages through a focus on energy use and environment in Indian cities, especially in domestic settings. The introduction section of the article presents its background. The second section discusses weather and the colonial science of climatology in thinking about ventilation and thermal comfort, and ends with an account of air conditioning in Indian cities. The third section offers a history of efforts at mitigating indoor air pollution through a transition in energy use from biomass to the use of gas and electricity. In conclusion, I draw attention to the translation that is involved in thinking about energy, urbanism and climate change historically and in the contemporary period.
Book review: Aase J. Kvanneid. 2021. Perceptions of Climate Change from North India: An Ethnographic Account
Authors: Mathson Gideon Thomas
Published: March 2022

Aase J. Kvanneid. 2021. Perceptions of Climate Change from North India: An Ethnographic Account. Oxford: Routledge. 182 pp. Maps, figures, notes, bibliography, index. £29.59 (eBook)
Book review: Sunita Narain, Shazneen Cyrus Gazdar, Avantika Goswami, and Tarun Gopalakrishnan (edited by Souparno Banerjee). 2021. Climate Change: Science and Politics
Authors: Sharma Upasna
Published: March 2022

Sunita Narain, Shazneen Cyrus Gazdar, Avantika Goswami, and Tarun Gopalakrishnan (edited by Souparno Banerjee). 2021. Climate Change: Science and Politics. New Delhi: Centre for Science and Environment. x + 198 pp. Figures, illustrations, maps, notes, references, tables. ₹750 (paperback)
Book review: John Stratton Hawley. 2020. Krishna’s Playground: Vrindavan in the 21st Century
Authors: Sharma Amit Kumar
Published: March 2022

John Stratton Hawley. 2020. Krishna’s Playground: Vrindavan in the 21st Century. New Delhi: Oxford University Press. xx + 361 pp. Maps, figures, illustrations, notes, bibliography, index. ₹750.75 (eBook)
Structures of Inequity: Teaching Privilege and Oppression with a Tower-Building Activity
Authors: Pickering Ryan M.
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Activities that illuminate the psychological underpinnings of privilege and oppression are an important part of social justice pedagogy.

Statement of Problem

There are numerous issues with current simulations of privilege and oppression that leave social justice educators limited in the choice of activity.

Literature Review

Published research shows the positive impact of the use of simulation activities and the complexity of privilege and oppression activities. Literature also critiques current published activities and approaches to teaching these difficult topics.

Teaching Implications

Using the provided structural oppression activity circumvents many of the current issues and incorporates suggestions from previous literature. Feedback from students indicates that the activity is impactful, instructive, and engaging.

Conclusion

Careful consideration should be made when selecting simulation activities for social justice courses and diversity trainings, but using hands-on, experiential educational activities may be one way to effectively teach difficult topics in a way that inspires individuals to be more intrinsically motivated to confront and reduce oppression in their own lives and communities.
Different Characteristics of Oropharyngeal pH Changes in Different Laryngeal Diseases
Authors: Han Honglei , Lyu Qiuping , Liang Yan
Published: March 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the different characteristics of oropharyngeal pH changes in patients with different laryngeal diseases.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed. The clinical data of 262 patients were summarized. The patients were divided into 4 groups. Group 1 included 123 patients with suspected laryngopharyngeal reflux disease (LPRD). Group 2 included 45 patients with vocal cord polyps. Group 3 included 40 patients with vocal cord leukoplakia. Group 4 included 54 patients with laryngeal carcinoma. Their reflux symptom indexes (RSIs), reflux finding scores (RFSs), and Dx-pH monitoring results were compared.

Results

In total, 235 patients had abnormal RSI/RFS, 90 patients had abnormal Ryan scores. The rate of abnormal RSI/RFS of Group 1 was significantly higher than that of Group 4 (P = .001). Significant differences of the rates of abnormal Ryan scores existed between Groups 2 and 4 (P = .021) and Groups 3 and 4 (P = .027). There were obvious differences in upright Ryan scores between Groups 1 and 2 (P = .013), Groups 1 and 3 (P = .002), Groups 2 and 4 (P = .046), and Groups 3 and 4 (P = .009). There were significant differences in time percentage of oropharyngeal pH of upright 5.5∼6.5 and supine 5.0∼6.5 between Groups 1 and 3 as well as Groups 1 and 4 (upright: Groups 1 and 3: P = .017; Groups 1 and 4: P = .019. Supine: Groups 1 and 3: P = .018; Groups 1 and 4: P = .023).

Conclusions

There were different oropharyngeal pH characteristics in patients with different laryngeal diseases, which indicated laryngopharyngeal reflux may play different roles in different diseases through various patterns. Patients with vocal cord polyps, vocal cord leukoplakia, and laryngeal carcinoma had more and different patterns of oropharyngeal pH change than patients with LPRD. Patients with vocal cord polyps and vocal cord leukoplakia had more severe acid oropharyngeal pH change episodes than patients with laryngeal carcinoma.
From the main-melody story to gaming experience: is the Chinese digital game arena a potential counterpublic sphere?
Authors: Hu Tingting , Ouyang Min , Zhang Ziwei , Wang Cathy Yue
Published: March 2022

This article interrogates the possibility that the digital game arena plays a role as a ‘counterpublic sphere’ where alternative voices that violate the hegemonic narratives in the mainstream media culture can be expressed. Exemplified by The Invisible Guardian, a Chinese interactive role-playing game, we present the first study to bring political perspective into the Chinese digital game studies, combining narrative analysis and players’ experience to provide a comprehensive understanding of political engagement in China’s digital game arena. We argue that the digital game uses various strategies to portray figures from different political parties in a way that subverts mainstream main-melody dramas and sheds light on sensitive historical movements. This implies the potential of Chinese digital games to become a counterpublic sphere, delivering alternative voices that challenge the mainstream media discourse and stimulate gamers’ political introspection.
Supporting Students’ Mental Health Needs: A Primer for Secondary School Leaders
Authors: Skaar Nicole R. , Townsley Matt , Ross Bridget
Published: March 2022

Students are struggling with mental health difficulties that impact their ability to learn while in school, and many students lack access to mental health providers in their communities. School administrators are in a prime position to lead systemic change aimed at supporting student mental health. The purpose of this paper is to provide secondary school leaders with a primer for developing and implementing universal screening and comprehensive systems to support student mental health.
Extension of the Virtual Cell Based Assay from a 2-D to a 3-D Cell Culture Model
Authors: Bednarczyk Ewa , Lu Yanfei , Paini Alicia , Batista Leite Sofia , van Grunsven Leo A. , Worth Andrew , Whelan Maurice
Published: March 2022

Prediction of chemical toxicity is very useful in risk assessment. With the current paradigm shift towards the use of in vitro and in silico systems, we present herein a theoretical mathematical description of a quasi-diffusion process to predict chemical concentrations in 3-D spheroid cell cultures. By extending a 2-D Virtual Cell Based Assay (VCBA) model into a 3-D spheroid cell model, we assume that cells are arranged in a series of concentric layers within the sphere. We formulate the chemical quasi-diffusion process by simplifying the spheroid with respect to the number of cells in each layer. The system was calibrated and tested with acetaminophen (APAP). Simulated predictions of APAP toxicity were compared with empirical data from in vitro measurements by using a 3-D spheroid model. The results of this first attempt to extend the VCBA model are promising — they show that the VCBA model simulates close correlation between the influence of compound concentration and the viability of the HepaRG 3-D cell culture. The 3-D VCBA model provides a complement to current in vitro procedures to refine experimental setups, to fill data gaps and help in the interpretation of in vitro data for the purposes of risk assessment.
The duration of political imprisonment: Evidence from China
Authors: Steinert Christoph Valentin
Published: March 2022

The Chinese regime is well known for the large-scale detention of dissidents and ethnic minorities. However, little is known about the fates of Chinese political prisoners. This study investigates determinants of the duration of political imprisonment in China. I argue that the duration of political imprisonment is shaped by (a) the perceived threat of individuals’ actions, and (b) their ethnic and religious identities. Drawing on the Chinese political prisoner database, I investigate predictors of the duration of political imprisonment with survival models. Since preceding actions shape detention times, I hand-code each prisoner's criminalized actions that led to incarceration. The evidence suggests that the Chinese regime conditions the duration of political imprisonment on prisoners’ demands and their collective action potential. The findings further demonstrate that ethnic Uyghurs and Tibetans are imprisoned significantly longer than non-minority political prisoners. Additional analyses demonstrate that ethnic Uyghurs are also significantly more likely to die in prison.
Technology adoption and diffusion in healthcare at onset of COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Liu Lili , Miguel-Cruz Antonio
Published: March 2022

This article presents an overview of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the adoption and diffusion of technologies including within healthcare. Consumer technologies have been rapidly applied to mitigate negative health impacts such as social isolation, or to monitor the health and function of family members separated by quarantine. As the lines between consumer technologies and professional health technologies blur, there is an opportunity to examine the outcomes of accessible and familiar technologies used by consumers. The rapid diffusion of technology uptake challenges traditional frameworks that describe technology acceptance and adoption. There is an opportunity to understand the impact of experience of use and involuntariness on technology diffusion. Beyond the onset of the pandemic, the management of post-COVID syndrome, which some see as the next public health crisis, is an opportunity to accelerate the diffusion of home monitoring technologies already benefiting people living with other chronic health conditions.
Unsettling Borderlands: The Population Exchange and the Polish Minority in Soviet Belarus, 1944–1947
Authors: Halavach Dmitry
Published: March 2022

The article examines the Soviet nationality policy in Belarus in 1944–1947 during the population exchange between the Soviet Union and Poland. Unlike in Lithuania and Ukraine, the authorities in Belarus prioritized keeping the labor force over national homogenization, determined nationality by territory of birth, and attempted to keep the people by designating them as Belarusians irrespective of their self-identification. The article argues that in Belarus, the population transfer was a combination of an exodus of refugees with the expulsion of Poles by the state. Although the declarations about the voluntary character of the resettlement were false, the direction of the compulsion varied, and this ambivalence opened up a space of limited autonomy in which the people could exercise agency. The Soviet ethnic cleansing remained incomplete in Soviet Belarus because of the competing urge to keep the labor force. Paradoxically, much of the demographic de-Polonization of new western territories of Soviet Belarus was achieved without the state’s commitment to ethnic cleansing and without the involvement of Belarusian nationalism.
Time-dependent incidence rates and risk factors for transferring to hemodialysis in patients on peritoneal dialysis under the Thai PD-First Policy
Authors: Sangthawan Pornpen , Ingviya Thammasin , Thokanit Nintita Sripaiboonkit , Janma Jirayut , Changsirikulchai Siribha
Published: March 2022

Background:

Haemodialysis (HD) transfer (HDT) is the major challenge of peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study aimed to analyse the time-dependent incidence rates and risk factors for permanent HDT in patients under Thailand’s PD First policy.

Methods:

The records of 20,545 patients from January 2008 to June 2018 were studied. The time on therapy (TOT) was divided into 0–3, 3–12, 12–24, 24–36, 36–48 and more than 48 months. The time-dependent incidence rates and causes of PD dropout were investigated. The risk factors for HDT were analysed by multivariable Poisson regression model and presented as incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results:

The main cause of PD dropout was death (45.7%) with 17.4% of the patients transferred to HD. The median (25th to 75th interquartile range) dialysis vintage was 1.4 (0.5–2.7) years. The incidence rates of HDT increased with TOT. Patients with universal coverage were transferred to HD less frequently than those with other health schemes. Patients who were illiterate or only had primary school education had a higher risk of being transferred to HD after 48 months of TOT (IRR 1.41 (95% CI 1.07–1.89)). Peritonitis within the first year of PD was the risk for HDT during 13–48 months of PD. The reasons for HDT changed with TOT. Mechanical complications followed by peritonitis were the main causes of HDT during the first 3 months, and after that peritonitis was the main reason.

Conclusions:

The incidence of HDT increased with TOT. The risks for HDT changed over time on PD.
Duffing–van der Pol nonlinear reduced-order model for explaining the phenomena and mechanism in pulsed jet flow separation control
Authors: Lu Weiyu , Huang Guoping , Yang Yuxuan
Published: March 2022

A two-equation nonlinear reduced-order model is established to describe the interaction between external periodic excitation from a pulsed jet and unsteady flow separation. This model, which is based on a 2D Navier–Stokes equation, the Stuart vortex row model, and the Stuart–Landau model, can approximately describe the typical phenomena occurring in pulsed jet flow separation control. These phenomena include the frequency-dependent, threshold, and lock-on effects, which are related to the frequency, intensity, and phase of excitation. Two indices, namely, the maximum Lyapunov exponent and the entrainment degree, are introduced to identify the mechanism of flow control via external periodic excitation. These indices are used to reflect the order degree and momentum transfer of the flow field. A comparison of the results of the model and those of a numerical simulation in a curved diffuser shows that the nonlinear reduced-order model is effective for qualitatively featuring the behavior of pulsed jet flow separation control. Moreover, the mechanism of pulsed jet flow separation control is explained via the model. Three aspects (i.e., flow instability, flow field ordering, and momentum transfer) are assumed to function together, resulting in an efficient flow control performance.
Perturbation of Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Makes Power Holders Less Resistant to Tempting Bribes
Authors: Hu Yang , Philippe Rémi , Guigon Valentin , Zhao Sasa , Derrington Edmund , Corgnet Brice , Bonaiuto James J. , Dreher Jean-Claude
Published: March 2022

Bribery is a common form of corruption that takes place when a briber suborns a power holder to achieve an advantageous outcome at the cost of moral transgression. Although bribery has been extensively investigated in the behavioral sciences, its underlying neurobiological basis remains poorly understood. Here, we employed transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) in combination with a novel paradigm ( N = 119 adults) to investigate whether disruption of right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (rDLPFC) causally changed bribe-taking decisions of power holders. Perturbing rDLPFC via tDCS specifically made participants more willing to take bribes as the relative value of the offer increased. This tDCS-induced effect could not be explained by changes in other measures. Model-based analyses further revealed that such neural modulation alters the concern for generating profits for oneself via taking bribes and reshapes the concern for the distribution inequity between oneself and the briber, thereby influencing the subsequent decisions. These findings reveal a causal role of rDLPFC in modulating corrupt behavior.
Propofol suppresses proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth of liver cancer cells via suppressing cancer susceptibility candidate 9/phosphatase and tensin homolog/AKT serine/threonine kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase axis
Authors: Chang Qing , Wu Jun , An Yang , Liu Haiyan , Sun Yang
Published: March 2022

Propofol is a commonly used drug for sedation and general anesthesia during cancer surgery. Previous studies indicate that propofol exerts anti-tumor effect in various cancers. The aim of this study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of propofol in liver cancer. The effects of propofol on liver cancer cells were evaluated by cell viability assay, colony formation assay, and tumor xenograft model. Dysregulated lncRNAs of propofol-treated liver cancer cells were evaluated by transcriptome RNA sequencing. The underlying molecular mechanisms of lncRNA cancer susceptibility candidate 9 (CASC9) in propofol-induced anti-tumor effects were evaluated by western blot, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), wound scratch healing assay, transwell cell migration and invasion assay, TUNEL staining, fluorescence in situ hybridization, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). We found that propofol suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor xenograft growth of liver cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Exosomes transfer from propofol-treated cells inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion and promoted apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Transcriptional profiling of propofol-treated liver cancer cells identified CASC9 as significantly downregulated lncRNA in cells and exosomes. Enforced CASC9 expression partially rescued the inhibitory effects of propofol on liver cancer cells. Furthermore, CASC9 was found to interact directly with EZH2 and epigenetically regulated PTEN expression. Restoration of CASC9 partially abrogated the inhibition of propofol on Akt/mTOR signaling. Our results indicated that propofol exerted anti-tumor effects by downregulating CASC9, and subsequently suppressed Akt/mTOR signaling. Our findings provided a novel insight into propofol-induced anti-tumor effects in liver cancer.
Characterizing India’s Financial Cycle
Authors: Behera Harendra , Sharma Saurabh
Published: March 2022

The severity of the effects of global financial crisis resuscitates the need for assessing the macro-financial linkages and measuring financial cycle to prevent the economy from major financial shocks. Our article measures financial cycle by using turning point analysis, spectral analysis and band-pass filter and provides the evidence on the existence of financial cycle in India. We find the length and duration of cycles in financial variables are much greater as compared to the business cycle. While both credit and equity prices drive financial cycles over time, the contribution of house prices has increased since mid-2000s. We find that the expansionary phase of the financial cycle provides an early warning signal about stress build-up in the banking sector and impending depress in the economy.

JEL Codes: C22, E30, E44, E58, G18
Drug overdose death rates in different countries: Who should be alarmed?
Authors: Snowdon John
Published: March 2022

Objectives

This study aims to assess how many nations, in addition to the United States and Canada, report alarmingly high drug overdose death rates, and to compare how those rates have changed.

Conclusions

Drug overdose death rates exceed four per 100,000 in over 10% of the world’s nations, including Libya (where rates are increasing) and in Russia (where rates have fallen). A comparison of data from five well-resourced nations with high drug death rates showed recently accelerated and alarming increases in rates in the United States and Canada (attributed to influx of fentanyl, plus increased stimulant use). A reported recent fall in Canada’s drug suicide rate may be attributable to misclassification of some suicides as accidents. There is an urgent need to ensure accuracy and better understanding concerning drug overdose deaths and how to prevent them.
Therapeutic Use of Role-Playing Game (RPG) in Mental Health: A Scoping Review
Authors: Arenas Daniel Luccas , Viduani Anna , Araujo Renata Brasil
Published: March 2022

Background

Role-playing game (RPG) is a term that covers a series of forms and styles of games that involve, in some way, the creation, representation and progression of characters who interact in a fictional world under a system of structured rules. Its applications and effects on human behavior and mental health are, however, still an underexplored area.

Methods

A scoping review was performed on the literature about RPGs as a therapeutic tool or prevention strategy in psychotherapies and mental health, highlighting studies’ populations, forms of RPG and interventions used. To that, a systematic search in the PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, BVS/LILACS databases and grey literature was performed.

Results

Of the 4,069 studies reviewed, 50 sources of evidence were included. The majority was published as of 2011 (78%) in journals (62%) and targeted therapeutic uses of RPGs (84%). Most interventions used computer (50%) or tabletop RPGs (44%), mostly with cognitive and/or behavioral (52%) therapeutical approaches and targeting adolescents (70%).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a potential use of RPGs as a complementary tool in psychotherapies. However, only 16% of the studies included were experimental. We identified considerable heterogeneity in RPGs definitions, outcomes and interventions used, preventing a systematic review. Thus, more empirical and well-designed studies on the application of RPGs in mental health are needed.
Comparison of Four Classroom-Based Strategies for Middle School Students With ADHD: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Harrison Judith R. , Evans Steven W. , Zatz Jenna , Mehta Paulomi , Patel Aayushi , Syed Muzzammil , Soares Denise A. , Swistack Nicole , Griffith Molly , Custer Beth A.
Published: March 2022

Middle school students with ADHD often experience negative academic outcomes. To intervene, schools frequently provide services through special education or section 504. These services include strategies, such as breaks, prompting, and sensory proprioception to remove the impact of construct-irrelevant variance. Student plans rarely include strategies, such as selfmanagement, designed to teach students skills to increase independent functioning. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of four strategies on engagement, disruptive behavior, and time to initiate tasks. Fifteen sixth and seventh grade students were randomized daily to one of four conditions. Results indicated large statistically significant differences. Social validity data indicated that students found prompting and self-management helpful, but preferred breaks and sensory proprioception. This study builds on a growing empirical base that supports the prioritization of strategies to teach skills over strategies to remove the impact of ADHD on performance.
Chronic Toxicity of 1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene in Fischer 344 Rats
Authors: Reddy Tirumuru V. , Olson Greg R. , Wiechman Barry , Reddy Gunda , Torsella Joni A. , Daniel F. Bernard , Leach Glenn J.
Published: March 2022

The chronic toxicity of 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene (TNB) in male and female Fischer 344 (F344) rats was evaluated by feeding a diet containing 0, 5, 60, and 300 ppm of TNB for 2 years. The calculated average TNB intake over 2 years for males and females was 0.22, 2.64,13.44 and 0.23, 2.68, 13.31 mg/kg body weight (BW)/day respectively. Terminal body weights were decreased and water intake was increased in both sexes (300 ppm), whereas food consumption was decreased in males (60 and 300 ppm groups) only. The relative spleen weights were significantly decreased in both sexes (300 ppm), whereas the relative brain weights were increased in females only (300 ppm). Hematological effects were not observed in animals killed at the 2-year time point, except significant decrease in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) in males (300 ppm) and in females (60 and 300 ppm). Methemoglobin levels were increased in both sexes in the high dose group. Histopathological examination showed treatment-related changes in the kidney (hyaline droplets; 60 and 300 ppm) and the spleen (erythroid cell hyperplasia and pigment deposition; 300 ppm) of both sexes. Cytoplasmic hyaline droplets in the kidneys were characterized by immunohistochemistry as alpha-2μ-globulin. We propose a chronic, oral no-observable-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) of 2.68 mg/kg BW/day for TNB in the rat, based on the hematological and renal changes.
DNA-Protein Crosslink and DNA Strand Break Formation in HL-60 Cells Treated with Trans,trans-Muconaldehyde, Hydroquinone and Their Mixtures
Authors: Amin Rupesh P. , Witz Gisela
Published: March 2022

The toxicity of benzene, a human leukemogen and ubiquitous environmental pollutant, is mediated in part by ring-hydroxylated metabolites including hydroquinone (HQ) and ring-opened metabolites including trans,trans-muconaldehyde (muconaldehyde, MUC), and their interactions. DNA-protein crosslinks (DNAPC) and DNA strand breaks (DNASB) are toxic lesions associated with the mechanism(s) of toxicity of carcinogenic compounds. In the present studies, we examined the hypothesis that individual and interactive effects of MUC and HQ are involved in the formation of DNAPC and DNASB. We extended our previous studies on DNAPC induction by MUC in HL-60 cells to HQ and mixtures of MUC and HQ, and determined DNASB levels, including 3'OH DNASB. Treatment of HL-60 cells with 25 to 100 μM HQ followed by incubation for 4 hours resulted in 1.3- to 2.8-fold increases in DNAPC levels compared with control, as determined by a K+/sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) precipitation assay. At 25 and 100 μM, MUC was 1.8 and 4.9 fold more effective at inducing DNAPC than HQ. Treatment with equimolar mixtures of 25 or 50 μM MUC and HQ resulted in higher DNAPC formation relative to the DNAPC levels expected if the effects were only additive. 3'OH DNASB levels as determined by the TUNEL assay showed a significant concentration-dependent increase 1 hour after treatment with 5 to 25 μM MUC, whereas HQ treatment had no effect. Cotreatment with 25 and 50 μM MUC/HQ mixtures resulted in significant decreases in TUNEL labeling relative to treatment with MUC alone. HL-60 cells treated with 1 to 50 μM MUC or HQ exhibited concentration- and time-dependent increases in DNASB as determined by the FADU assay, which measures a variety of single- and double-strand breaks and alkali labile sites. Exposure to 10 μM MUC gave Qdnasb values (1 Qdnasb ≍100 DNASB/cell) of 7.5 ± 1.2 and 15.4 ± 1.4 at the 1- and 2-hour time points respectively, compared with 0.1 ± 3.8 and 0.0 ± 1.5 for the corresponding time controls. The Qdnasb values after treatment with 10 μM HQ were 4.4 ± 0.7 and 17.7 ± 2.1 at the 1- and 2-hour time points, respectively, compared with 0.0 ± 0.5 and 0.0 ± 1.3 for the corresponding time controls. Induction of DNASB was additive 1 hour after treatment with equimolar MUC/HQ mixtures of 5 to 50 μM. These in vitro findings are significant in that DNAPC and DNASB lesions induced by MUC and HQ as well as their interactions could contribute to benzene-induced hematotoxicity and leukemogenesis.
Health anxiety and associated constructs in school-age children and adolescents with congenital heart disease and their parents: A children’s healthy-heart activity monitoring program in Saskatchewan cohort study
Authors: Llewelyn-Williams Jessica L , Oliver Amanda M , Wright Kristi D , Runalls Shonah , Lahti Dana S , Bradley Timothy J , Kakadekar Ashok , Pharis Scott , Pockett Charissa , Erlandson Marta C , Tomczak Corey R
Published: March 2022

Youth with congenital heart disease (CHD) have been found to experience higher levels of health anxiety and associated constructs than typically developing peers. The association between youth and parent health anxiety has been explored in typically developing youth but this association remains unknown in youth with CHD. This association was explored using a prospective, cross-sectional study that included 36 school-age children and adolescents with CHD (median age =10.5 years, IQR = 4) and 35 parents (median age = 44 years, IQR = 10.5). Participants completed a demographic form and measures of health anxiety, anxiety sensitivity, intolerance of uncertainty, and anxiety disorder symptom categories (youth) or general anxiety (parent). Associations were observed between child and adolescent panic/agoraphobia symptoms and parent state anxiety ( r = .41), child and adolescent intolerance of uncertainty and parent state and trait anxiety ( r = .37; r = .46, respectively), and child and adolescent anxiety sensitivity and parent state anxiety ( r = .40). No association was observed between health anxiety in children and adolescents and parents nor between child and adolescent health anxiety and parent associated constructs. For parents, associations between health anxiety and all measures of associated constructs of interest were observed. Study findings will facilitate improved understanding of the psychological needs of school-age children and adolescents with CHD.
Dynamic responses of the rail vehicle-bridge coupling system considering the spanwise correlation functions in vehicle aerodynamic forces
Authors: Hu Peng , Zhang Fei , Han Yan , Zhou Xuhui , Xu Guoji
Published: March 2022

For rail vehicles, the spanwise correlation of aerodynamic forces acting on a single car is usually overlooked. To investigate the effects of spanwise correlation functions on the dynamic responses of the rail vehicle-bridge coupling system, firstly, the forms of spanwise correlation functions in the aerodynamic forces of a running vehicle, which are associated with the longitudinal and vertical fluctuating wind speeds, were proposed. Secondly, the spectra of buffeting forces acting on the running vehicle considering those spanwise correlation functions were obtained. Thirdly, a rail vehicle-bridge coupling system was established by using the commercial software SIMPACK, and a single car running on a typical high-speed railway bridge was taken as an example. Again, the effects of artificial discrete wind fields on the dynamic responses of the vehicle and bridge were investigated. Finally, the effects of the above spanwise correlation functions on the dynamic responses of the rail vehicle-bridge coupling system were compared under the cases of different vehicle speeds and wind speeds. The results show that different discrete time intervals can exert significant effects on the vehicle responses, and the discrete time interval of 0.05 s can be used for analysis in the wind-rail vehicle-bridge coupling system. With the increase of vehicle speed, the values of vehicle and bridge responses considering the spanwise correlation functions tend to be close to those without considering the spanwise correlation functions. However, as the wind speed increases, the values of vehicle and bridge responses generally tend to show greater differences in the presence and absence of spanwise correlation functions. At different vehicle speeds or wind speeds, the spanwise correlation functions have significant effects on the RMSs of vehicle accelerations and bridge lateral acceleration, but they have little effects on the bridge vertical acceleration.
Tribological properties of in-situ PVD TiAlN, TiSiN, and TiAlN/TiSiN coatings under ambient air and vacuum environment
Authors: Sert Yaşar , Ghahramanzadeh Asl Hojjat , Küçükömeroğlu Tevfik
Published: March 2022

It is known that the interest in manufacturing in a vacuum environment has increased in recent years. Thus, the wear behavior of mechanical tools under vacuum conditions has critical importance. However, adhesion and cold-welding problems between tool and working piece in vacuum conditions lead to poor wear properties and severe coefficient of friction values. Surface treatment methods such as physical vapor deposition coatings can eliminate these undesirable consequences, especially transition metal nitrides. In this study, TiAlN, TiSiN, and TiAlN/TiSiN films were coated on AISI H13 tool steels employing the cathodic arc evaporation technique. Whether the coatings grown to the substrate surface have a positive contribution to the wear performance of the substrate in the ambient air and vacuum environment was answered. Scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, and X-ray diffractometer analyses were used to attain structural properties. The hardness was measured using a nano-hardness tester, and the adhesion properties were determined by a scratch test. The wear behavior of the substrate and coating samples are determined under 2 N constant normal load and using WC-6%Co counter bodies under ambient air and vacuum conditions. The hardness of samples improved owing to surface coatings, and the highest nano-hardness value was determined from the TiSiN coatings as 39.42 GPa, which is ∼700% greater than the substrate. It has been observed that coated samples have superior wear performance in both wear conditions. Besides, it is determined that those tested under a vacuum condition showed superior wear resistance than the samples tested under ambient air. While TiSiN film exhibits the highest wear resistance in ambient air, the TiAlN/TiSiN layer is the best in a vacuum environment. Owing to the deposited coatings, the seizure mechanism between the friction surfaces, which is frequently encountered in the vacuum environment, is prevented, and a fascinating improvement in terms of friction coefficient is achieved.
MING: An interpretative support method for visual exploration of multidimensional data
Authors: Colange Benoît , Vuillon Laurent , Lespinats Sylvain , Dutykh Denys
Published: March 2022

Dimensionality reduction enables analysts to perform visual exploration of multidimensional data with a low-dimensional map retaining as much as possible of the original data structure. The interpretation of such a map relies on the hypothesis of preservation of neighborhood relations. Namely, distances in the map are assumed to reflect faithfully dissimilarities in the data space, as measured with a domain-related metric. Yet, in most cases, this hypothesis is undermined by distortions of those relations by the mapping process, which need to be accounted for during map interpretation. In this paper, we describe an interpretative support method called Map Interpretation using Neighborhood Graphs (MING) displaying individual neighborhood relations on the map, as edges of nearest neighbors graphs. The level of distortion of those relations is shown through coloring of the edges. This allows analysts to assess the reliability of similarity relations inferred from the map, while hinting at the original structure of data by showing the missing relations. Moreover, MING provides a local interpretation for classical map quality indicators, since the quantitative measure of distortions is based on those indicators. Overall, the proposed method alleviates the mapping-induced bias in interpretation while constantly reminding users that the map is not the data.
Short Take: Sorting at a Distance: Q Methodology Online
Authors: Meehan Katie , Ginart Lourdes , Ormerod Kerri Jean
Published: March 2022

This article presents design principles and practical steps for web-based Q methodology surveys. Drawing on the experience of two online Q studies, we discuss theoretical concerns, sort and survey design, software programs, and issues in researcher–participant engagement. We argue that opening Q methodology to online modes of data collection is important to capture greater diversity in social perspectives and geographies.