bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Directional Constraint Evaluation Solves the Problem of Ties in Harmonic Serialism
Authors: Lamont Andrew
Published: December 2020

This squib examines the problem of tied candidates in Harmonic Serialism and presents directional constraint evaluation as a solution. Under standard evaluation, constraints report how many loci of violation a candidate contains and, as a result, cannot differentiate two candidates with equal numbers of violations. Under directional evaluation, constraints report where loci of violation occur and are thus able to distinguish candidates with distinct loci of violation. Alternative tie-breaking mechanisms either fail to solve ties in general or introduce unwanted typological predictions.
The Lexical Impact of Hebrew in the Judeo-Italian of Medieval and Renaissance Siddur Translations
Authors: Ryzhik Michael
Published: December 2020

General traits of the Hebrew components of Judeo-Italian Siddur translations are analyzed. The most interesting cases are those where the same Hebrew component is used differently in different contexts: (1) the same Hebrew word remains untranslated in the title and is translated by the Romance lexical unit in the text of the prayer (שבת/sabbeto; כהן/sacerdote); (2) the same Hebrew word in the divine (mystic) sense remains untranslated, while in the secular sense it is translated as the Italian word (צבאות/osti); (3) one Hebrew component lexical unit translates another Hebrew word (אִשִּׁים > קרבנות ;נשך > רבית ;חולק < טענה); (4) one form of the Hebrew word is translated by another form of the same word (עולמות > עולמים). The two latter categories are especially instructive in studying the Hebrew component of spoken and written Judeo-Italian.
First partial mitogenome of a new Seira Lubbock species (Collembola,
Entomobryidae, Seirinae) from Cambodia reveals a possible separate
lineage from the Neotropical Seirinae
Authors: GODEIRO NERIVANIA NUNES , ZHANG FENG , CIPOLA NIKOLAS GIOIA
Published: December 2020

A new species of Seira from Koh Rong Sanloem Island, Cambodia, as well as its mitochondrial genome information, are herein described. Seira sanloemensis sp. nov. has a similar colour pattern compared to nine other species of Seira worldwide distributed, but the dorsal chaetotaxy is more similar to S. arunachala Mitra from India, S. camgiangensis Nguyễn from Vietnam, and S. gobalezai Christiansen & Bellinger from Hawaii. However, the new species differs from these species by dorsal chaetotaxy of head, Th II–III and Abd II, collophore chaetotaxy, and morphology of the empodial complex. This is the third Collembola species described for Cambodia. Its assembled incomplete mitogenome from MGI reads, has a length of 13,953 bp, and contains all protein-coding genes except for tree tRNAs missing; the gene order is the same of the Pancrustacean ancestral gene order. Based on the alignment of the 13 coding genes, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree of medium bootstrap values suggested that the Asian Seira species can represent a different lineage from the Neotropical Seirinae, but further biogeographic and divergence estimation analyses plus the inclusion of more Asian taxa are necessary to test such hypothesis.
A new species of the hermit crab genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836 from a mesophotic deep bank in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico (Crustacea: Decapoda: Diogenidae)
Authors: FELDER DARRYL L. , LEMAITRE RAFAEL
Published: December 2020

Recent sampling on mesophotic deep banks in the northwestern Gulf of Mexico has produced a previously undescribed hermit crab assignable to the genus Cancellus H. Milne Edwards, 1836. Members of the genus are most often found to occupy cavities of eroded coral, siliceous sponges, porous calcareous rock fragments, algal concretions, or worm tubes as shelters. The present specimen was found loose as by-catch in a dredged rhodolith sample taken for algal life history studies. In situ, it likely occupied a cavity within one of the collected calcareous rhodoliths or small sponges in the by-catch. While our description is based on a single female specimen, the holotype is fully mature and intact, and it was solidly frozen in seawater until its coloration could be photographically documented and tissues extracted for sequencing. In comparison to the three other known western Atlantic species, the frontal rim of the carapace shield in the new species is continuous between the blunt lateral teeth as in C. ornatus Benedict, 1901 and C. viridis Mayo, 1873, and thus distinct from the subdivided front found in C. spongicola Benedict, 1901. The rim itself is somewhat flattened as in C. ornatus rather than inflated as in C. viridis. However, each of the ocular scales bears a pair of spines at the tip, as in C. viridis. The lower palms of the chelipeds, while distinctly rugose, do not have a separated patch of stridulating ridges comparable to those reported for C. spongicola. The yellow-orange to deep-orange pigmentation of the color pattern differs from fresh coloration in both C. ornatus and C. viridis, but that of C. spongicola is unknown for other than preserved specimens. Description of the single available specimen is in this case justified by the low likelihood for timely acquiring of additional samples from the type locality or adjacent habitats, most of which are deep banks warranting protection under pending habitat management changes. Our diagnosis includes GenBank accession numbers for COI sequences to facilitate future molecular phylogenetic comparisons.
Revision of the genus Coeliccia Kirby in Borneo part III: Two new species from the C. membranipes–group from Sarawak and Brunei (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae)
Authors: DOW RORY A.
Published: December 2020

Coeliccia junis sp. nov. (holotype male from Borneo, Sarawak, Bintulu Division, Planted Forest Project, Bukit Mina Wildlife Corridor, “Day 4” stream near Bukit Nyegoh and Bukit Jugam, near small brown water pool, 10 viii 2018, deposited in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands) and Coeliccia roberti sp. nov. (holotype male from Borneo, Sarawak, Miri Division, Lambir Hills National Park, small stream on Oil Well Trail, 22 iv 2011, deposited in the Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, the Netherlands) are described from Borneo. Both new species belong to the Coeliccia membranipes–group and bring the number of named species known from the group from Borneo to nine and the total number of named species from Borneo currently placed in Coeliccia to 15. Coeliccia junis is only known from a small area in Sarawak, C. roberti is also known from Brunei. Both species are considered likely to be closely allied with C. macrostigma Laidlaw.
New beaded lacewings (Insecta: Neuroptera: Berothidae) from Indochina
Authors: LI DI , ASPÖCK HORST , ASPÖCK ULRIKE , LIU XINGYUE
Published: December 2020

The family Berothidae (beaded lacewings) is poorly known from the Indochina Peninsula. Previously, three genera, Berotha Walker, 1860, Isoscelipteron Costa, 1863, and Lekrugeria Navás, 1929, and four species were recorded from Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam. Here, we record the genus Asadeteva U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck, 1981, in Indochina for the first time and provide a description of a new species, namely Asadeteva acutata sp. nov., from Laos and Thailand. We also describe a new species of the genus Berotha Walker, 1860, namely Berotha incurvata sp. nov. from Laos and provide the first description of the male of Lekrugeria nepalica U. Aspöck & H. Aspöck, 1986, based on material from northern Myanmar.
Andricus forni Pujade-Villar & Nicholls n. sp., a new species of oak gallwasp from China (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: PUJADE-VILLAR JULI , WANG YIPING , CUESTA-PORTA VÍCTOR , GUO RUI , NICHOLLS JAMES A. , MELIKA GEORGE
Published: December 2020

A new sexual form of a gallwasp, Andricus forni Pujade-Villar & Nicholls n. sp., is described from China (Zhejiang province) based on males, females and galls collected on Quercus serrata. Data on the morphology, diagnosis, distribution and biology of the new species are provided. Molecular data are also provided to support this species. A key to Asian Andricus gallwasp species with similar integral leaf galls is presented. Finally we discuss the taxonomic status of Asian Andricus making these integral leaf galls, including uncertainty on the validity of both Andricus quercicola and A. marmoratus.
Ollieopteryx, a new genus of caddisflies from Madagascar (Trichoptera: Dipseudopsidae)
Authors: WEAVER JOHN S. , GIBON FRANÇOIS-MARIE , CHVOJKA PAVEL , OLÁH JÁNOS
Published: December 2020

New taxa of Dipseudopsidae from Madagascar are described, including a new genus, Ollieopteryx, and three new species, Ollieopteryx fianarana, O. inopinata, and O. dakshan. The hypothetical phylogenetic tree of the Dipseudopsidae (Weaver & Malicky 1994) is revised to include Ollieopteryx, an isolated relic. Scenarios on the historical biogeography of the family are hypothesized.
Reply to “Comments on ‘How Much Does the Upward Advection of the Supergradient Component of Boundary Layer Wind Contribute to Tropical Cyclone Intensification and Maximum Intensity?’”
Authors: Li Yuanlong , Wang Yuqing , Lin Yanluan
Published: December 2020

This is a reply to the comments by Smith et al. (2020, hereafter SGM20) on the work of Li et al. (2020, hereafter LWL20) recently published in the Journal of the Atmospheric Sciences. All the comments and concerns by SGM20 have been well addressed or clarified. We think that most of the comments by SGM20 are not in line with the intention of LWL20 and provide one-sided and thus little scientifically meaningful arguments. Regarding the comment on the adequacy of the methodology adopted in LWL20, we believe that the design of the thought (sensitivity) experiment is adequate to address the scientific issue under debate and helps quantify the contribution by the upward advection of the supergradient component of boundary layer wind to tropical cyclone intensification, which is shown to be very marginal. Note that we are open to accept any alternative, better methods to be used to further address this scientific issue.
Dualisation versus targeting? Public transfers and poverty risks among the unemployed in Germany and Great Britain
Authors: Brülle Jan
Published: December 2020

The paper analyses changes in the generosity of public transfers to the unemployed and their effectiveness for the alleviation of poverty risks in Germany and Great Britain between the 1990s and the 2000s. In the light of changing poverty risks among the unemployed, the contribution of policy changes is assessed using individual-level data on household incomes. The results indicate that the introduction and expansion of the tax credit programmes in Britain led to an increase of public transfers especially for those with low household market incomes and thereby also improved the effectiveness of transfers in combating poverty. In Germany, the generosity of transfers to the unemployed hardly changed over time, whereas the effectiveness of transfers to prevent households from falling into poverty declined. This can be explained by changes in the composition of the unemployed by recent labour force participation and household market incomes. As former labour market insiders are consistently better protected from poverty than former outsiders, the results confirm the stratified nature of unemployment protection in Germany, albeit no significant trend towards increasing dualisation in public benefits is found. Thus, the results do not support notions of a fundamental shift of the system of unemployment protection with respect to the generosity of transfers in Germany but emphasise the importance of changes in the German labour market.
Survey of patient perception of pre-analytical requirements for blood testing in the UK and RoI
Authors: Hepburn S , Jankute M , Cornes MP , Rios N Rico , Stretton A , Costelloe SJ
Published: December 2020

Background

A patient survey developed by the Pre-Analytical Phase Special Interest Group of the Association for Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine (ACB-PA-SIG) was conducted during November and December 2019. The survey aimed to determine the quality of information provided to patients in preparation for their blood test(s). In addition, the ACB-PA-SIG provide a number of recommendations, which, if adopted, may yield higher quality test results and improve patient management.

Methods

The survey was distributed at phlebotomy suites in two Hospitals: Ipswich Hospital (United Kingdom [UK]), and Cork University Hospital (Republic of Ireland [RoI]).

Results

Overall, 235 survey responses were received from the two sites. A total of 103 respondents received no information about preparing for their blood test and 92 had been told they did not need to fast. None of the patients surveyed had been instructed to fast for 12 h. Twenty-two patients had been told to avoid certain foods, drinks or medication, 14 were told to avoid strenuous activity and 41 respondents had been informed of the need to avoid alcohol/smoking prior to their blood test. Overall, only approximately 78 felt well informed about the blood taking process.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this survey, the ACB-PA-SIG conclude that: (1) clinicians should provide clear written information to patients regarding pre-analytical requirements; and (2) effective communication between laboratories and General Practitioners is required to disseminate information. In this paper, the ACB-PA-SIG provide a list of pre-analytical recommendations to standardize and improve practice across the UK and RoI.
Development of adhesion force evaluation equipment for nano diamond coated tool using shear method
Authors: Li Jinghua , Lee SoJin , Kweon HyunKyu
Published: December 2020

In this study, we have developed a thin film adhesion evaluation system for diamond coating tool, which is mainly used for CFRP processing. CFRP is widely used in aviation and automobile industries. Because of the high surface hardness of the diamond coating tool, it is difficult to evaluate the adhesive strength of the tool, and it is difficult to quantitatively evaluate the existing adhesion force evaluation method and it is costly. This study has developed an evaluation method to measure the adhesive force based on the data of the grinding process using a low-cost polishing pad. When the frictional force and the shearing force are applied to the specimen by the sanding belt, friction is continuously generated between the coating layer and the belt, and peeling occurs at the moment when a specific load is applied. Acceleration, load, and torque values that occur during each experiment are collected through acceleration sensors, load cells, and torque sensors. The data obtained through the experiments are subjected to FFT processing and analysis. As a result, the peeling point and the critical load value at this point are identified and referred to as the adhesion force of the coating layer.
African Leadership in Human Rights: The Gambia and The Commonwealth Human Rights Commission, 1977–83
Authors: Kirby James
Published: December 2020

This article examines The Gambia’s campaign from 1977-83 for a new international mechanism to protect human rights in the Commonwealth of Nations. President Dawda Jawara’s crusade for a Commonwealth Human Rights Commission complicates the dominant scholarly interpretation of human rights history, which tends to dismiss or overlook African participation in the international human rights movement. The article explains The Gambia’s display of human rights idealism as a strategy to attract aid and legitimacy in the global arena. It also shows how The Gambia’s project was thwarted by the ‘Old Commonwealth’, including the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada. Western member states worked together to surreptitiously weaken and defeat The Gambia’s initiative, while deflecting blame and counting on ‘New Commonwealth’ governments in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to play the role of antagonist. Overall, the article contends the Commonwealth Human Rights Commission was killed because it threatened illusions and assumptions about the human rights movement that were convenient for western powers. With the use of archival sources from the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, this article spotlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of African and Global South actors in human rights history.
The Fate of Social Character in an Age of Uncertainty
Authors: Shilling Chris , Mellor Philip A
Published: December 2020

This article develops the long-standing sociological tradition of ‘character studies’, arguing that the accelerated change and associated uncertainties central to late modern life have been accompanied by what we refer to as a new opportunity-directed form of individuality. Engaging with Sayer’s agenda-setting return to the subject, we acknowledge the ideological uses to which the promotion of this characterological form may be put, but argue that its core qualities can help suitably situated persons negotiate radical uncertainty via a reflexive, future-oriented commitment to agency. Despite the advantages of this orientation in the contemporary era, however, we conclude by suggesting that opportunity-directedness is associated with certain ‘pathologies’, involving psychological costs and social inequalities, that raise questions about its desirability and sustainability.
Ambivalent Effects of Positive Contact Between Women and Men on Collective Actions for Women’s Rights
Authors: Vázquez Alexandra , López-Rodríguez Lucía , Gómez Ángel , Dovidio John F.
Published: December 2020

Positive intergroup contact, under some conditions, can undermine the interest of members of both socially disadvantaged and advantaged groups to act for equality. However, little is known about whether similar effects appear in a unique form of intergroup relations, gender relations. In two correlational studies and two experiments, we investigated the relationships among quality of contact, perceived discrimination, fusion with the feminist movement, and willingness to engage in collective action for women’s rights. For women (Study 1a), positive contact with men was associated with less perceived discrimination, less fusion, and less collective action. For men (Study 1b), the relationships were in the opposite direction. Studies 2a and 2b revealed that recalling experiences of gender discrimination nullified the effects of contact for both women and men as compared to a control condition. Thus, when discrimination is not explicitly recognized, positive contact might have sedative effects on women, but mobilizing effects on men.
Domesticating dating apps: Non-single Chinese gay men’s dating app use and negotiations of relational boundaries
Authors: Wu Shangwei
Published: December 2020

Dating app use is prevalent among non-single Chinese gay men. Applying domestication theory, this study explores how dating apps can be accepted in gay romantic relationships. The author argues that the domestication of technological artifacts unfolds on four dimensions: the practical, the symbolic, the cognitive, and the relational. Findings show that dating apps serve a dual role: a pool of sexual or romantic alternatives and a channel to the gay community. Although the former constitutes a threat to monogamy, the latter leaves room for a couple’s negotiation for acceptable but restricted uses. This negotiation is in tandem with the negotiation of relational boundaries, which leads to either the reinforcement of monogamy or the embrace of non-monogamy. Meanwhile, one can perceive dating apps to be as unremarkable as other social media platforms. This is achieved through a cognitive process where gay men learn to debunk the arbitrary association between dating apps and infidelity. Monogamous or not, they put faith in user agency, not perceiving dating apps as a real threat to romantic relationships.
Observation of Silicone Oil Within the Vitreous and Sclera Following Intravitreal Administration of Biotherapeutics Using Insulin Syringes in Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Huet François , Miller Jackie , Miller Paul E. , Hayden Chris , Glick James J. , Bentley Adam , De Benedetto Chris , McPherson Leslie E. , Turner Oliver C.
Published: December 2020

Silicone oil droplets have been reported in the eyes of human patients following intravitreous (IVT) injections with several marketed biotherapeutic products. Intravitreous administration of a novel biotherapeutic in a 14-week cynomolgus monkey study using insulin syringes was associated with 2, non-test-article-related phenomena: “vitreous floater/clear sphere” on indirect ophthalmoscopy and intrascleral “foreign material near injection track” on histopathology. Retrospective analysis of 81 other preclinical studies of IVT administration of novel biotherapeutics found a greater frequency of clear spheres in monkey IVT studies using insulin syringes and formulations containing polysorbate. We were able to correlate microscopic findings of clear circular to oval areas in the sclera near the injection track with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) signal for silicon at the same location in the sclera. These observations provide further evidence that silicone lubricant in insulin syringes/needles is the source of clear spheres noted in the vitreous and foreign material noted near the injection track in the sclera. Although considered inert and toxicologically insignificant, silicone deposition within the eye should form part of the risk–benefit equation in a clinical setting.
Scientometrics for the study of sociology
Authors: Sooryamoorthy Radhamany
Published: December 2020

Scientometrics has become a popular discipline, both as a field of study and a set of methods. Scientometric studies are carried out at varying levels from micro to macro. Institutions of higher learning and governments adopt scientometric measures to inform their decisions and to develop policies pertaining to ranking, standing, funding, impact, visibility and future plans. Institutions, countries and scholars can be evaluated using reliable scientometric indicators which are meaningful instruments in the study of disciplines. Scientometrics serves the purpose of determining the future of academic disciplines as well. However, it has not been applied to the study of the social sciences, including sociology, as much as it has been used in science disciplines. In this essay the need for scientometric studies in the study of sociology is put forward. Reviewing some prominent studies, the essay shows applicable models for scientometric studies for the study of sociology. As the use of scientometrics has not been effectively applied to qualitative studies, the essay presents the potential of scientometric data for qualitative studies of sociology.
Home-based exercise monitored with telehealth is feasible and acceptable compared to centre-based exercise in Parkinson’s disease: A randomised pilot study
Authors: Flynn Allyson , Preston Elisabeth , Dennis Sarah , Canning Colleen G , Allen Natalie E
Published: December 2020

Objectives:

To investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a home-based exercise program monitored using telehealth for people with Parkinson’s disease.

Design:

Pilot randomised control trial.

Setting:

University physiotherapy clinic, participants’ homes.

Participants:

Forty people with mild to moderate Parkinson’s disease, mean age 72 (6.9).

Intervention:

In Block 1 (5 weeks) all participants completed predominantly centre-based exercise plus a self-management program. Participants were then randomised to continue the centre-based exercise ( n = 20) or to a home-based program with telehealth ( n = 20) for Block 2 (5 weeks). The exercises targeted balance and gait.

Outcomes:

The primary outcomes were the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention. Secondary outcomes were balance, gait speed and freezing of gait.

Results:

Adherence was high in Block 1 (93%), and Block 2 (centre-based group = 93%, home-based group = 84%). In Block 2, the physiotherapist spent 6.4 hours providing telehealth to the home-based group (mean 10 (4) minutes per participant) and 32.5 hours delivering the centre-based exercise classes (98 minutes per participant). Participants reported that exercise was helpful, they could follow the home program and they would recommend exercising at home or in a group. However, exercising at home was less satisfying and there was a mixed response to the acceptability of the self-management program. There was no difference between groups in any of the secondary outcome measures (preferred walking speed mean difference −0.04 (95% CI: −0.12 to 0.05).

Conclusion:

Home-based exercise monitored using telehealth for people with Parkinson’s disease is feasible and acceptable.
Sex-specific sensitivity to methamphetamine-induced schizophrenia-relevant behaviours in neuregulin 1 type III overexpressing mice
Authors: Chesworth Rose , Rosa-Porto Rossana , Yao Sofia , Karl Tim
Published: December 2020

Background:

Gene–environment interactions contribute to schizophrenia aetiology. Neuregulin 1 is a well-established genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, and elevated expression of type III neuregulin 1 mRNA in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex is observed in patients with a core risk haplotype. A mouse model of type III Nrg1 overexpression ( Nrg1 III tg) possesses face and construct validity for schizophrenia; however, the sensitivity of these transgenic mice to environmental risk factors relevant to schizophrenia is unknown.

Aims:

To determine sensitivity of Nrg1 III tg mice to the psychostimulant methamphetamine (METH) in schizophrenia and addiction-relevant behavioural tests.

Methods:

We examined behavioural responses of adult male and female Nrg1 III tg mice METH (1–3 mg/kg) in schizophrenia-relevant paradigms (drug-induced locomotion, sensorimotor gating) and drug reward (conditioned place preference).

Results:

Male Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced stereotypies, yet showed a greater negative impact of METH on prepulse inhibition compared with wild type-like males. In contrast, female Nrg1 III tg mice were less sensitive to METH-induced locomotion than wild type-like females, while sensorimotor gating was similarly impaired by METH between the genotypes. There were no genotype differences for METH reward, or anxiety-like and exploratory behaviours.

Conclusions:

These results indicate that overexpression of Nrg1 type III modulates schizophrenia-relevant behaviours, and may help to explain increased sensitivity to the psychoactive effects of METH in patients with schizophrenia.
Effects of lorazepam on prosaccades and saccadic adaptation
Authors: Bey Katharina , Lippold Julia V , Aslan Behrem , Hurlemann René , Ettinger Ulrich
Published: December 2020

Background:

Benzodiazepines have reliable adverse effects on saccadic eye movements, but the impact of sex as a potential modulator of these effects is less clear. A recent study reported stronger adverse effects on the spatial consistency of saccades in females, which may reflect sex differences in cerebellar mechanisms.

Aims:

We aimed to further examine the role of sex as a potential modulator of benzodiazepine effects by employing the saccadic adaptation paradigm, which is known to be sensitive to cerebellar functioning.

Methods:

A total of n=50 healthy adults performed a horizontal step prosaccade task and a saccadic adaptation task under 0.5 mg lorazepam, 1 mg lorazepam and placebo in a double-blind, within-subjects design.

Results:

In the prosaccade task, lorazepam had adverse effects on measures of peak velocity, latency and spatial consistency. The administration of 0.5 mg lorazepam led to significant reductions in gain-decrease adaptation, while a dose of 1 mg did not impair adaptation learning. Gain-increase adaptation was generally less pronounced, and unaffected by the drug. There were no significant drug×sex interactions in either task.

Conclusions:

We conclude that a low dose of lorazepam impairs gain-decrease adaptation independent of sex. At higher doses, however, increasing fatigue may facilitate adaptation and thus counteract the adverse effects observed at lower doses. With regards to prosaccades, our findings confirm peak velocity as well as latency and spatial measures as sensitive biomarkers of GABAergic effects.
Occult vaginal cancer recurrence after hysterectomy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Guo Luopei , Li Chunbo , Hua Keqin
Published: December 2020

Vaginal cancer is a rare disease of the lower genital tract. We present the case of a 54-year-old woman with occult vaginal cancer after hysterectomy for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III. Despite persistently negative cytology and colposcopy results, a lesion was finally detected by vagino-recto-abdominal examination and she underwent radical parametrectomy and lymph node dissection. We consider the possibility that transabdominal suturing of the vaginal cuff after hysterectomy may reduce the ability to detect subsequent vaginal lesions, and discuss the benefits of a vaginal suture approach. We recommend that suturing the vagina apex transvaginally instead of transabdominally would benefit patients during follow-up.
Crosstalk between lncRNA DANCR and miR-125b-5p in HCC cell progression
Authors: Yang Ling , Jiang Mi-Na , Liu Yang , Wu Chao-Qun , Liu Hong
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To investigate the mechanism of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) DANCR on the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells.

Methods:

The expression levels of DANCR and miR-125b-5p were measured in normal hepatocytes (LO2) and HCC cell lines by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. HepG2 and Huh-7 cells were transfected with sh-DANCR, the negative control (sh-NC), miR-125b-5p mimic, or mimic NC or cotransfected with sh-DANCR and miR-125b-5p inhibitor. HCC cell proliferation was assessed through CCK8 and plate colony formation assay. Western blot quantified the expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, and cleaved-caspase-3. Apoptotic rate was detected as well as migratory and invasive capacities. The implication of the MAPK signal pathway was assessed by detecting the expression levels of p38, ERK1/2, JNK, p-p38, p-ERK1/2, and p-JNK. Interactions between DANCR and miR-125b-5p were detected by dual luciferase reporter assay.

Results:

In HCC cells, DANCR was highly expressed and miR-125b-5p was decreased. sh-DANCR or miR-125b-5p mimic stimulation reduced HepG2 or Huh-7 cell progression while promoted cell apoptosis evidenced by increased apoptotic rate, elevated levels of Bax and cleaved-caspase-3, and decreased Bcl-2. Moreover, the migration rate and invasiveness of HCC cells were also inhibited by sh-DANCR and miR-125b-5p mimic. Levels of p-p38/p38, p-ERK1/2/ERK1/2, and p-JNK/JNK were suppressed by sh-DANCR and miR-125b-5p mimic. LncRNA DANCR negatively targeted and directly bound to miR-125b-5p. Knockdown of miR-125b-5p could reverse the inhibitory effects of sh-DANCR on HCC cells.

Conclusion:

In HCC cells, lncRNA DANCR sponges miR-125b-5p and activates MAPK pathway, thus facilitating HCC cell progression.
Problematising the Global in Global IR
Authors: Anderl Felix , Witt Antonia
Published: December 2020

International Relations (IR) has long been criticised for taking a particular (Western) experience as basis for formulating theories with claim to universal validity. ‘Non-Western’, ‘post-Western’, and postcolonial theories have been criticising the problem of Western parochialism and have developed specific strategies of changing IR. Global IR has taken up some of these concerns and aims at changing the discipline by theorising international politics as multiplex, taking different experiences, histories, and agencies into account. Yet, we argue that this agenda rests on a partial reading of IR’s critics, failing to take seriously the epistemological and methodological critiques of IR and therefore perpetuating some of the discipline’s ‘globalisms’. Therefore, first, Global IR reifies the idea of a truly universal body of knowledge. The global is logically prior to this as an imagined space of politics and knowledge. Second, Global IR assumes that scholars around the world aspire and are able to contribute to a single body of knowledge. While reifying these globalisms, Global IR fails to ask where this global imaginary comes from and what its effects are on the distribution of power and wealth. We argue that instead of assuming ‘the global’ as descriptive category, a more substantial and reflexive critique of IR’s exclusionary biases should start from reconstructing these globalisms and their effects.

Problématiser le « mondial » dans les RI mondiales
SCADA data as a powerful tool for early fault detection in wind turbine gearboxes
Authors: Abd-Elwahab Khaled Taha , Hassan Ali Ahmed
Published: December 2020

The different operating conditions of wind turbines pose great challenges for efficient and reliable fault detection. Therefore, a good analysis of wind turbine data is essential in assessing the state of the wind turbines, since the traditional threshold cannot provide a timely warning as it indicates that the malfunction has already occurred. This paper presents a new method for analyzing the actual data of the turbines, using aggregated model consisting of the neighborhood comparison method, K-means clustering and decision tree model to diagnose faults. The wind speed of the adjacent turbines is compared with each other, then other parameters of the same wind speed are also compared with each other. The purpose of comparison is that, the wind turbines which are similar in wind speed are similar in performance as well. This approach helps us to discover the abnormal data for turbine performance with in the normal operating range. The abnormal performance of any turbine destroys the similarity relationship between its data and the neighboring unit’s data. The main advantage of this approach is the possibility to detect the beginning of abnormal performance in real time, a case study using real SCADA data is used to validate this approach, which demonstrates its effectiveness and advantages.
Identification of Genes Contributing to a Long Circadian Period in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Kumar Shailesh , Tunc Ilker , Tansey Terry R. , Pirooznia Mehdi , Harbison Susan T.
Published: December 2020

The endogenous circadian period of animals and humans is typically very close to 24 h. Individuals with much longer circadian periods have been observed, however, and in the case of humans, these deviations have health implications. Previously, we observed a line of Drosophila with a very long average period of 31.3 h for locomotor activity behavior. Preliminary mapping indicated that the long period did not map to known canonical clock genes but instead mapped to multiple chromosomes. Using RNA-Seq, we surveyed the whole transcriptome of fly heads from this line across time and compared it with a wild-type control. A three-way generalized linear model revealed that approximately two-thirds of the genes were expressed differentially among the two genotypes, while only one quarter of the genes varied across time. Using these results, we applied algorithms to search for genes that oscillated over 24 h, identifying genes not previously known to cycle. We identified 166 differentially expressed genes that overlapped with a previous Genome-wide Association Study (GWAS) of circadian behavior, strongly implicating them in the long-period phenotype. We tested mutations in 45 of these genes for their effect on the circadian period. Mutations in Alk, alph, CG10089, CG42540, CG6034, Kairos ( CG6123), CG8768, klg, Lar, sick, and tinc had significant effects on the circadian period, with seven of these mutations increasing the circadian period of locomotor activity behavior. Genetic rescue of mutant Kairos restored the circadian period to wild-type levels, suggesting it has a critical role in determining period length in constant darkness.
The Development and Validation of Teen Beliefs on Relationship Abuse Measure (TBRAM)
Authors: Zong Chen , Donovan Courtney , Fuchs Taryn
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to validate an original and innovative survey focused on both teens’ personal beliefs and how they perceived their peers’ beliefs regarding relationship abuse with four research questions: What are the measured constructs in this survey? Is the hypothesized factor structure of the five types of relationship abuse confirmed? Does the validity of constructs vary among racial/ethnic groups and genders? Are there differences between teens’ own beliefs on relationship abuse and their perceptions of peers’ beliefs? To address these questions, two confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) models were examined with 591 high school students’ responses. The first CFA model was created based on the exploratory factor analysis results and the second CFA model was created based on the theoretically hypothesized model of five types of relationship abuse. The results indicate that the 5-factor, 11-item model based on the theoretical hypothesis is the best fit to the data. The multiple group model analysis demonstrated that the identified CFA measurement model was invariant across different gender and racial/ethnic groups. The validated instrument of Teen Beliefs on Relationship Abuse Measure is a reliable and valid way to measure both teens’ personal beliefs and their perceptions of peers’ beliefs on five types of relationship abuse including emotional, physical, sexual, stalking, and digital abuses. With the validated model, t-test results indicate that teens’ own beliefs are significantly more positive than their perceptions of their peers’ beliefs for all the five factors. The measure is useful for researchers, educators, and parents to measure and understand teen perceptions of themselves and their peers on different types of relationship abuses to better support them develop healthy, respectful, and nonviolent relationships.
Completion Conditions and Response Behavior in Smartphone Surveys: A Prediction Approach Using Acceleration Data
Authors: Kern Christoph , Höhne Jan Karem , Schlosser Stephan , Revilla Melanie
Published: December 2020

This study utilizes acceleration data from smartphone sensors to predict motion conditions of smartphone respondents. Specifically, we predict whether respondents are moving or nonmoving on a survey page level to learn about distractions and the situational conditions under which respondents complete smartphone surveys. The predicted motion conditions allow us to (1) estimate the proportion of smartphone respondents who are moving during survey completion and (2) compare the response behavior of moving and nonmoving respondents. Our analytical strategy consists of two steps. First, we use data from a lab experiment that systematically varied motion conditions of smartphone respondents and train a prediction model that is able to accurately infer respondents’ motion conditions based on acceleration data. Second, we use the trained model to predict motion conditions of respondents in two cross-sectional surveys in order to compare response behavior of respondents with different motion conditions in a field setting. Our results indicate that active movement during survey completion is a relatively rare phenomenon, as only about 3%–4% of respondents were predicted as moving in both cross-sectional surveys. When comparing respondents based on their predicted motion conditions, we observe longer completion times of moving respondents. However, we observe little differences when comparing moving and nonmoving respondents with respect to indicators of superficial responding, indicating that moving during survey completion does not pose a severe threat to data quality.
Four steps to standardize reporting of peritoneal dialysis technique failure: A proposed approach
Authors: Clarke Alix , Ravani Pietro , Oliver Matthew J , Mahsin Mohamed , Lam Ngan N , Fox Danielle E , Qirjazi Elena , Ward David R , MacRae Jennifer M , Quinn Robert R
Published: December 2020

Background:

Technique failure is an important outcome measure in research and quality improvement in peritoneal dialysis (PD) programs, but there is a lack of consistency in how it is reported.

Methods:

We used data collected about incident dialysis patients from 10 Canadian dialysis programs between 1 January 2004 and 31 December 2018. We identified four main steps that are required when calculating the risk of technique failure. We changed one variable at a time, and then all steps, simultaneously, to determine the impact on the observed risk of technique failure at 24 months.

Results:

A total of 1448 patients received PD. Selecting different cohorts of PD patients changed the observed risk of technique failure at 24 months by 2%. More than one-third of patients who switched to hemodialysis returned to PD—90% returned within 180 days. The use of different time windows of observation for a return to PD resulted in risks of technique failure that differed by 16%. The way in which exit events were handled during the time window impacted the risk of technique failure by 4% and choice of statistical method changed results by 4%. Overall, the observed risk of technique failure at 24 months differed by 20%, simply by applying different approaches to the same data set.

Conclusions:

The approach to reporting technique failure has an important impact on the observed results. We present a robust and transparent methodology to track technique failure over time and to compare performance between programs.
A novel recursive formulation for dynamic modeling and trajectory tracking control of multi-rigid-link robotic manipulators mounted on a mobile platform
Authors: Shafei AM , Mirzaeinejad H
Published: December 2020

This article establishes an innovative and general approach for the dynamic modeling and trajectory tracking control of a serial robotic manipulator with n-rigid links connected by revolute joints and mounted on an autonomous wheeled mobile platform. To this end, first the Gibbs–Appell formulation is applied to derive the motion equations of the mentioned robotic system in closed form. In fact, by using this dynamic method, one can eliminate the disadvantage of dealing with the Lagrange Multipliers that arise from nonholonomic system constraints. Then, based on a predictive control approach, a general recursive formulation is used to analytically obtain the kinematic control laws. This multivariable kinematic controller determines the desired values of linear and angular velocities for the mobile base and manipulator arms by minimizing a point-wise quadratic cost function for the predicted tracking errors between the current position and the reference trajectory of the system. Again, by relying on predictive control, the dynamic model of the system in state space form and the desired velocities obtained from the kinematic controller are exploited to find proper input control torques for the robotic mechanism in the presence of model uncertainties. Finally, a computer simulation is performed to demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can dynamically model and simultaneously control the trajectories of the mobile base and the end-effector of such a complicated and high-degree-of-freedom robotic system.
Measuring Smiling Curves in Community Enterprises: Evidence from the One Tambon One Product Entrepreneurship Programme in Border Thailand
Authors: Pholphirul Piriya , Charoenrat Teerawat , Kwanyou Akkaranai , Rukumnuaykit Pungpond , Srijamdee Kitisak
Published: December 2020

Stan Shih’s smiling curve concept has been applied for use in describing manufacturing industries of various sizes around the world; yet, no studies, so far, have ever been undertaken using small enterprises, like community enterprises. The objective of this article is to explain the use of the smiling curve concept in community enterprises in Thailand as a case study. From a survey of 101 community enterprises under the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) entrepreneurship programme in a border province of Thailand, it was found that the smiling curve concept can also be applied in the case of community businesses. Emphasizing the importance of upstream activities, like applying concepts of creativity and research and development in production as well as focusing on downstream activities such as marketing, sales promotion and branding strategies are found to enhance business performance (profit) of those community enterprises. Therefore, the relevant government agencies or business sectors should step in to provide support and collaborative assistance by focusing on both activities (upstream activities and downstream activities) to add value to community products and make community businesses more competitive in both national and international markets.
Global Patterns of Climate-resilient Agriculture: A Review of Studies and Imperatives for Empirical Research in India
Authors: Viswanathan P. K. , Kavya K. , Bahinipati Chandra Sekhar
Published: December 2020

Globally, climate change impacts are manifold, severely affecting the agriculture sector. Climate-resilient agriculture (CRA) is viewed as a panacea for overcoming the adverse effects of climate change on agriculture. This article critically reviews the literature on CRA to delineate the emerging patterns of climate-resilient agriculture. It explores multiple dimensions of CRA as related to practices, technologies, policies, innovations and interventions across different parts of the world. In the end, a schematic approach towards undertaking empirical research on CRA in the Indian context is presented. The review finds that, globally, CRA practices mainly include systematic strategies for management of critical inputs, namely, land and water, cropping systems and livelihood management. It emerges that innovations and institutions have a crucial role in accelerating the rate of adoption of CRA practices. The article highlights the need for undertaking more empirical research to get a deeper understanding of the emerging patterns of CRA in the Indian context.
Structural Equation Modelling of Properties That Trigger Purchaser’s Confidence in Acquisition of Products and Consumer’s Brand Choice in Rural Areas
Authors: Madan Akansha
Published: December 2020

A rural buyer buys a branded product for its assurance of quality. Rural consumers today, are quite aware of the variety of brands that are available in the market. This change in the behaviour of rural consumers is widespread in respect of FMCG products. The present study stresses on the research framework on properties that induce a purchaser’s confidence in acquisition of a product and structure their relationship with demographic variables and brand choice. The study was carried out in the rural areas of India. The sample size was 1,106. The research methodology consisted of exploratory and descriptive studies. Tools for analysing data included confirmatory factor analysis and modelling of structural equations. It was found that there was a significant relationship between properties that trigger a purchaser’s confidence in acquisition of products and their brand choice. It was also found that there is a significant difference between properties that trigger a purchaser’s confidence in acquisition of products and demographic variables such as age, gender, education and household income.