bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buddhist Meditation and Generosity to Chinese Buddhists during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Tseng (曾安培) Ampere A.
Published: November 2022

This article studies the practices of meditation and generosity among Chinese Buddhists in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak to provide insight into the interplay of religion, faith, well-being, and the pandemic more broadly, as well as to understand the specific ways in which Chinese Buddhists may draw on their faith to combat the ill effects of the pandemic. In particular, we trace the experience of Chinese Buddhists in mainland China, Taiwan, the United States, and other countries, identifying two popular Buddhist practices: meditation and generosity. We study their motivation for those practices, and the different ways Buddhist sites have sought to remain active in offering services to followers. We explore the role of faith in nurturing resiliency in the Chinese Buddhist community and conclude with specific recommendations for the prosperity of Chinese Buddhism during a pandemic and for leveraging specific tenets of the faith to reduce pandemic risks.
Seekers and Seers: Lay Buddhists and Buddhist Revival in Rural China
Authors: Chao (趙昕毅) Shin-yi
Published: November 2022

This paper explores lay Buddhism in contemporary rural North China through investigating the practice and practitioners of “Buddha-chanting” (nianfo 念佛) in relation to local religion, monastic Buddhism, and spirit mediums. The nianfo groups are led by and consist of ordinary villagers, overwhelmingly female. They meet in private houses or village temples of local deities. The groups are not subject to the authority of clergy, but individual group members, especially the leaders, may maintain a close relationship with a Buddhist monastery. These individuals are a link from monastic Buddhism to the Buddhist masses in villages, and the nianfo groups are the nexus of the networks. Members of the nianfo groups have a clear sense of being Buddhist while they also participate in activities of local religion. In addition, village spirit mediums, with whom the villagers often consult during crises, command some influence. They have also played a consequential role in the process of restoring Buddhism in the area.
Mapping Religious Sites in China: A Research Note
Authors: Henke Jackie , Yang (楊鳳崗) Fenggang
Published: November 2022

Drawing from visual studies scholarship, we highlight current and persistent critiques of sociological visualization, note recent developments in visualization tools for sociologists, and propose how sociologists can be reflective about their visualization choices. As a case study, we outline the visualization development and selection process in our project of mapping Chinese religious venues. We explain the visualization challenges we faced, the visual biases we hoped to manage, the strengths and limitations of various visualization methods we identified, and how we selected visualizations for varying research queries. In addition, we provide a list of considerations for fellow sociologists working to visualize geospatial point data.
Petrocosmea panzhouensis (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guizhou, China
Authors: TANG SHENG-HU , ZHANG JIAN-HUA , PENG TAO , GUO YING
Published: November 2022

The two species with lobed leaves, viz., Petrocosmea henryi and P. weiyigangii are very distinctive from other species of Petrocosmea. Here, the third species with lobed leaves, named Petrocosmea panzhouensis, from western Guizhou, China, is described. The new species is most similar to P. henryi on shape of leaf blade margin and straight filaments, but it is distinguished from the latter by shape of bracts, and shape and length of anthers. The new taxon is assessed as “Data Deficient” (DD), according to the IUCN standards.
Taxonomic review of Cerozodus Bigot, 1857 (Diptera: Asilidae: Asilinae) with the description of two new species
Authors: CAMARGO ALEXSSANDRO , VIEIRA RODRIGO , RAFAEL JOSÉ ALBERTINO
Published: November 2022

In this work, a taxonomic review of Cerozodus Bigot, 1857 is performed and its two included species namely, Cerozodus brachylobus Vieira, Rafael & Limeira-de-Oliveira, 2013 and Cerozodus nodicornis (Wiedemann, 1828) are redescribed and two new species from Brazil are described, Cerozodus ayalai sp. nov. and Cerozodus platylobus sp. nov. Illustrations of male and female, including their respective terminalia are presented. A key for all species is proposed and an updated map with the distribution records is presented.
A new species of dendrochirotid holothuroid from deep water of southern Japan, with the erection of a new genus, Satsumaocnus (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea: Dendrochirotida: Cucumariidae: Colochirinae)
Authors: YAMANA YUSUKE , THANDAR AHMED S. , HAYASHIBARA TAKESHI , SETIAMARGA DAVIN H. E.
Published: November 2022

A new dendrochirotid sea cucumber, Satsumaocnus kaiyomarui gen. nov., sp. nov. from deep water of southern Japan is herein described. The new species displays the following unique characters : a cylindrical, soft body; mouth surrounded by five oral valves; 10 equal, dendritic tentacles arranged in a single circle, each composed of two tufts; a low, stout, compact, calcareous ring without posterior prolongations; body wall ossicles comprising an external layer of small, x-framed hourglass-shaped cups originally described as “double-faced x-framed cup ossicles” in a previous study reported by Yamana et al. (2019), and an inner layer of scarce dendriform/branched rods, sometimes taking the shape of delicate plate-like deposits. Although the general (external and internal) morphological characters of the new species correspond well with the characters of species within the cucumariid subfamily Colochirinae Panning, 1949, our material lacks any buttons or elaborate plate-like ossicles which characterize all extant genera within this subfamily. We, therefore, describe our material as a new species S. kaiyomarui sp. nov. within the new genus Satsumaocnus. The predominant body wall deposits of the new species strongly resemble the hourglass type ossicles of some species of the psolid genus Lissothuria (Verrill, 1867), but differ in their possession of a supporting x-shaped frame. In addition, it is noteworthy that these hourglass deposits also resemble the table ossicles of some holothuriids and stichopodids, when viewed from the side, especially the small tables of some Labidodemas and/or Stichopus species, while the dendriform rods resemble those of Thelenota.
Description of Acaralox latifolia n. sp. (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea) on water bamboo from Taiwan
Authors: HUANG KUN-WEI , CHANG SHU-CHEN , HSIEH TZAY-TIEN , SHENTU HSUAN
Published: November 2022

Water bamboo, Zizania latifolia (Griseb.), Poaceae, is the major crop in Puli Township, Taiwan. Following some unknown mite infestations causing leaf curling symptoms first observed in 2018, water bamboos experienced a dramatic crop yield. Our morphological evaluation revealed their infestation with a new species of eriophyoid mite, Acaralox latifolia n. sp. (Acari: Trombidiformes: Eriophyoidea). Here, we described and illustrated this new species and provided its scanning electronic micrographs and DNA sequences of COI and ITS regions. This is the first record of the genus Acaralox from Taiwan.
Differences Between Canadian Psychological Association Nonmember and Member Counseling Psychologists
Authors: Bedi Robinder P. , Pradhan Kesha
Published: November 2022

Generalizations about Canadian counseling psychologists have been based on research that samples members of the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA), leading to questions about the extent to which this portrayal of the profession is accurate. In this exploratory study, answers to a 61-item questionnaire representing 86 variables were compared between 78 Canadian counseling psychologists who were members of the CPA and 107 Canadian counseling psychologists who were not members of the CPA. Inferential analyses found that CPA-member and nonmember counseling psychologists differed significantly on 11 of the 86 variables assessed, indicating that the currently available portrayal of Canadian counseling psychologists used by licensure bodies, professional associations, academic programs, instructors, and researchers is not wholly accurate. Reliance on inaccurate information about the profession can hinder the future development of Canadian counseling psychology as its members strive to meet the needs of counseling psychology students, counseling psychology professionals, and the populations they serve.
Life and Health Under Israeli Military Occupation During COVID-19: Report from the West Bank, Occupied Palestinian Territory
Authors: Giacaman Rita , Hammoudeh Weeam , Mitwalli Suzan Mohammad , Khallawi Hala , Kienzler Hanna
Published: November 2022

This qualitative study explores lived experiences of Palestinians in the West Bank during the COVID-19 pandemic intersecting with life under Israeli military occupation, structural violence, and racism. Insight is provided into the pandemic's effect on daily life and health and into coping and support mechanisms employed under apartheid conditions. Forty-three semi-structured interviews were conducted among a stratified sample of Palestinian adults. Interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. During the pandemic, Palestinian social lives were interrupted, jobs were lost, and incomes declined. Families fell into social and financial crises, with strife, insecurity, uncertainty, and fear negatively affecting physical and mental health. Pandemic effects were compounded by the Palestinian Authority's shortcomings and policies not taking into account citizens’ rights and social protection and by Israel's continued colonization of Palestinian land and violation of Palestinian human rights. Social solidarity was instrumental for coping during the pandemic just as it was during intensified political violence. One key feature that helped Palestinians survive promoting their cause for freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination is their social solidarity in times of strife. This has proven to be a crucial component in overcoming threats to the survival of a people during the twentieth century and into the twenty-first century.
Modelling the Relationship Between Resilience to Depression and Recent Stressful Life Events in University Students
Authors: Semkovska Maria , Joyce Ciara , Keyes Jessica , Reilly Sinead , Delaney Aoife , Harrold Aine , McManus Hannah
Published: November 2022

Resilience, or successful coping with the experience of stressful life events (SLEs), protects against depression, but its operational mechanisms are unclear. Views diverge whether resilience intervenes as a trait or as a process of dynamic interactions of protective factors, such as self-esteem, social support and family cohesion. We evaluated five theoretically-based models of how resilience, defined as either a trait or a process, interacts with recent SLEs, to explain depressive symptomatology in 2434 university students. The moderating effect of problematic, age-inappropriate parenting (i.e., helicopter parenting) was also assessed. SLEs moderated both the effects of trait and process resilience on depression, but models conceptualising resilience as a dynamic process of interacting components showed better explanatory power than models conceptualising resilience solely as a trait. Trait resilience was protective through self-esteem at all levels of SLEs exposure (low, mild, moderate or high), and significantly, but less so through hope or social support. Experiencing helicopter parenting weakened the protective influence of process resilience, through decreasing family cohesion in the presence of SLEs. The overall assessment of the five models supports a process conceptualisation of resilience to depression in the face of adversity. However, the results also suggest that not all protective factors are equally important, with self-esteem appearing a significant and strong mediator of resilience to depression in all models including it as a variable. Building process resilience is proposed as a key intervention target for depressive symptoms. Clinical assessments and interventions following SLEs should routinely consider both trait resilience and self-esteem, as the interaction of these two factors protects against depression even at the highest levels of adversity exposure. Depression prevention approaches should address the individual’s experience of overparenting, given the deleterious influence of helicopter parenting on resilience.
Understanding the Change in the Prevalence and Factors Influencing the Childhood Stunting Using District-Level Data from NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 in India
Authors: B.S. Pooja , Guddattu Vasudeva
Published: November 2022

To compare the district level prevalence of childhood stunting between NFHS-4 and NFHS-5 and to explore the correlates of it at the district level. Although malnutrition rates in India have decreased over a period, country is still a home for the highest number of stunted and wasted children in the world. Among the South Asian countries, India has the second highest number of stunted children. An ecological study conducted by using the data from fourth and fifth round of National Family Health Survey. Study concentrated on percentage of children who were stunted across 692 Indian districts during 2 survey periods and its correlates from NFHS-5. District level change in childhood stunting was calculated by differencing the NFHS-5 estimates from NFHS-4. Descriptive statistics were used to understand the nature of the variables and Moran’s I statistic was calculated to check for the spatial autocorrelation in the childhood stunting. Spatial error regression model was used to identify the correlates of childhood stunting. Among the Indian districts considered, 243 districts showed the increase in childhood stunting between the time periods considered. Currently, about 33.56% of children in India are stunted and there is high spatial disparity in the prevalence of childhood stunting among the districts of it. Major hotspots of childhood stunting were found in the parts of UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West Bengal. Households access to improved sanitation facility, iodized salt, clean fuel, women 10 plus years of schooling, post-natal care of mother were found to be the significant protective factors. Closed spacing of births, teenage pregnancy, low BMI of women, childhood diarrhea, and anemia were found to be the significant risk factors of childhood stunting. Stunting depends on several other factors apart from poverty, working on these factors will help in reducing childhood stunting in India.
Comparative study of different bis-citraconimides as anti-reversion agents in natural rubber
Authors: He Mingbin , Zou Lijing , Chen Zhaohui , Huang Ruoming
Published: November 2022

Sulfur-cured natural rubber (NR) commonly accompanies reversion, which severely impacts the properties as well as service life of NR products. Introducing anti-reversion agents is one of the most effective ways to counteract reversion. In this work, five structurally different bis-citraconimides have been synthesized and used as anti-reversion agents for sulfur-cured NR. In detail, the differences of anti-reversion agents in the cure characteristics, cross-linked structure, physical-mechanical properties, heat build-up, and dynamic mechanical properties of sulfur-cured NR are investigated in order to elaborate on the differences in reactivity and cross-linking chemistry of anti-reversion agents. The results show that N,N′-p-phenylene-biscitraconimide (BCmB) provides the best anti-reversion performance for compound cured at 150°C, with N,N′-p-phenylene-biscitraconimide (BCpB) following closely behind. Although Perkalink 900 (1,3-bis(citraconimidomethyl)benzene: BCDB), 1,3-bis(citraconimido)isobutane (BIB), and 1,6-bis(citraconimido)hexane (BCH) are less effective than BCmB and BCpB in improving the anti-reversion performance of compound cured for a short period of time or cured at 150°C, they show better anti-reversion performance of compound cured for a longer time or cured at higher vulcanization temperature.
Scientific and Regulatory Policy Committee Best Practices: Recommended (“Best”) Practices for Informed (Non-blinded) Versus Masked (Blinded) Microscopic Evaluation in Animal Toxicity Studies
Authors: Bolon Brad , Francke Sabine , Caverly Rae Jessica M. , Polack Evelyne , Regan Karen S. , McInnes Elizabeth F. , Young Jamie K. , Keane Kevin , Perry Rick , Romeike Annette , Colman Karyn , Jensen Karl , Nakano-Ito Kyoko , Galbreath Elizabeth J.
Published: November 2022

This article describes the Society of Toxicologic Pathology’s (STP) five recommended (“best”) practices for appropriate use of informed (non-blinded) versus masked (blinded) microscopic evaluation in animal toxicity studies intended for regulatory review. (1) Informed microscopic evaluation is the default approach for animal toxicity studies. (2) Masked microscopic evaluation has merit for confirming preliminary diagnoses for target organs and/or defining thresholds (“no observed adverse effect level” and similar values) identified during an initial informed evaluation, addressing focused hypotheses, or satisfying guidance or requests from regulatory agencies. (3) If used as the approach for an animal toxicity study to investigate a specific research question, masking of the initial microscopic evaluation should be limited to withholding only information about the group (control or test article-treated) and dose equivalents. (4) The decision regarding whether or not to perform a masked microscopic evaluation is best made by a toxicologic pathologist with relevant experience. (5) Pathology peer review, performed to verify the microscopic diagnoses and interpretations by the study pathologist, should use an informed evaluation approach. The STP maintains that implementing these five best practices has and will continue to consistently deliver robust microscopic data with high sensitivity for animal toxicity studies intended for regulatory review. Consequently, when conducting animal toxicity studies, the advantages of informed microscopic evaluation for maximizing sensitivity outweigh the perceived advantages of minimizing bias through masked microscopic examination.
Health Belief Model Constructs Affect Influenza Vaccine Uptake in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Chong Hye Jin , Jang Min Kyeong , Lockwood Mark B , Park Chang
Published: November 2022

This secondary analysis explored how the constructs of the health belief model affect influenza vaccine uptake in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). In the parent study, a total of 180 KTRs were recruited at an organ transplant center in South Korea. A nonlinear path analysis using generalized structural equation modeling was performed. Previous influenza vaccination had a direct effect on their behavior, while cues to action alone did not directly affect their behavior. Perceived benefits played a key role as a mediator in improving influenza vaccine uptake in KTRs. This study highlights the need for health professionals to assess perceived benefits at the individual level and provide patient-centered interventions based on a consideration of theoretical mechanisms. As cues to action, recommendations for recipients’ first vaccination after kidney transplant should focus on changing patients’ perceptions of benefits by emphasizing the positive aspects of the influenza vaccine for immunosuppressed patients.
Pathophysiological mechanism and natural preventive and therapeutic strategies of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Basli Abdelkader , Bounaas Jihane
Published: November 2022

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of two types of protein deposits in the brain, amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles. The first one are dense deposits of beta amyloid protein, the second one are dense deposits of the protein tau. These proteins are present in all of our brains, but in AD they act unusually, leading to neuronal degeneration. This review will provide an overview of the AD, including the role of amyloid beta and tau, and mechanisms that lead to the formation of plaques and tangles. The review will also cover the existing researches that have focused on the inhibition of amyloid beta formation, cholinesterase, tau hyperphosphorylation, the pathogenic mechanisms of apoE4, and GSK-3 as a solution that could be used to slow or prevent the disease.
Arterio-venous fistula causing acute right heart failure: A rare complication of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Scanziani Margherita , Pozzi Matteo , Rovere Antonio , Rezoagli Emanuele , Avalli Leonello , Foti Giuseppe
Published: November 2022

Introduction: Vascular complications are a major issue in V-A ECMO and can affect long term outcome. Among these, Artero-Venous (AV) fistulas may lead to right heart failure.

Case History: A 73-years patient supported with V-A ECMO for post-cardiotomy biventricular failure developed right heart failure after V-A ECMO decannulation, requiring V-A ECMO recannulation. The presence of an AV femoral fistula was incidentally revealed during femoral vein cannulation, from which oxygenated blood was unexpectedly drawn. The angiographic assessment confirmed the presence of a fistula between superficial femoral artery and vein, at the site of the first venous ECMO cannulation. This was caused by the venous cannula that inadvertently passed across the artery and created an AV fistula that was opened by the venous cannula removal. The exclusion of the endovascular fistula allowed the right heart failure resolution.

Conclusions: In the presence of right heart failure after recent vascular manipulation, AV fistula should be ruled out.
Metrics of Mobility: Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Travel Behavior
Authors: Panik Rachael Thompson , Watkins Kari , Ederer David
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted typical travel behavior worldwide. In the United States (U.S.), government entities took action to limit its spread through public health messaging to encourage reduced mobility and thus reduce the spread of the virus. Within statewide responses to COVID-19, however, there were different responses locally. Likely some of these variations were a result of individual attitudes toward the government and health messaging, but there is also likely a portion of the effects that were because of the character of the communities. In this research, we summarize county-level characteristics that are known to affect travel behavior for 404 counties in the U.S., and we investigate correlates of mobility between April and September (2020). We do this through application of three metrics that are derived via changepoint analysis—initial post-disruption mobility index, changepoint on restoration of a “new normal,” and recovered mobility index. We find that variables for employment sectors are significantly correlated and had large effects on mobility during the pandemic. The state dummy variables are significant, suggesting that counties within the same state behaved more similarly to one another than to counties in different states. Our findings indicate that few travel characteristics that typically correlate with travel behavior are related to pandemic mobility, and that the number of COVID-19 cases may not be correlated with mobility outcomes.
Methadone Maintenance Treatment Discontinuation Among Young People who use Opioids in Vancouver, Canada
Authors: Pilarinos Andreas , Kwa Yandi , Joe Ronald , Dong Huiru , Grant Cameron , Fast Danya , Buxton Jane Alison , DeBeck Kora
Published: November 2022

Objective

Retaining adolescents and young adults (AYA) in medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), like methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), is critical to reducing toxic drug fatalities. This analysis sought to identify factors associated with MMT discontinuation among AYA.

Method

Data were derived from the At-Risk Youth Study, a prospective cohort study of street-involved AYA in Vancouver, Canada, between December 2005 and June 2018. Multivariable extended Cox regression identified factors associated with time to MMT discontinuation among AYA who recently initiated MMT. In subanalysis, multivariable extended Cox regression analysis identified factors associated with time to “actionable” MMT discontinuation, which could be addressed through policy changes.

Results

A total of 308 participants reported recent MMT during the study period. Participants were excluded if they reported MMT in the past 6 months at baseline and were retained in MMT ( n = 94, 30.5%); were missing MMT status data ( n = 43, 14.0%); or completed an MMT taper ( n = 11, 3.6%). Of the remaining 160 participants who initiated MMT over the study period, 102 (63.8%) discontinued MMT accounting for 119 unique discontinuation events. In multivariable extended Cox regression, MMT discontinuation was positively associated with recent weekly crystal methamphetamine use (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.19 to 2.35), but negatively associated with age of first “hard” drug use (per year older) (AHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.90 to 1.00) and female sex (AHR = 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44 to 0.99). In subanalysis, recent weekly crystal methamphetamine use (AHR = 4.61, 95% CI: 1.78 to 11.9) and weekly heroin or fentanyl use (AHR = 3.37, 95% CI: 1.21 to 9.38) were positively associated with “actionable” MMT discontinuation, while older age (AHR = 0.87, 95% CI: 0.76 to 0.99) was negatively associated.

Conclusions

Efforts to revise MMT programming; provide access to a range of MOUD, harm reduction, and treatments; and explore coprescribing stimulants to AYA with concurrent stimulant use may improve treatment retention and reduce toxic drug fatalities.
Understanding food waste-reducing platforms: A mini-review
Authors: de Almeida Oroski Fabio , da Silva Jessica Monteiro
Published: November 2022

Food waste is one of the main obstacles to transitioning to sustainable and circular food systems. Food waste-reducing platforms (FWRPs) have emerged as low-cost alternatives by donating or commercializing surpluses and non-commercial food. However, as a recent phenomenon, little is known about their actual contribution to the fight against food waste. This study aims to employ a systematic review of the literature to understand the main issues of FWRPs. Our results indicate that technology plays multiple roles in FWRPs: enabling the sharing of surpluses by connecting supply and demand, monitoring and generating data on waste, among others. However, technology is insufficient for food recovery. FWRPs’ business models must be aligned with the sustainability concept, encompassing environmental, economic and social benefits. Innovators must design and prototype solutions to address these various intended functions. This study points out many barriers to implementing these digital platforms, such as delivering multiple benefits for heterogeneous actors. Other barriers involve building trust and changing the behaviour of actors concerning their food habits. The scarcity of empirical studies has limited a better understanding of FWRPs and their actual ability to tackle food waste on a large scale. Despite the limitations found in the literature, digital platforms are an interesting solution to food waste management by promoting food waste prevention and reduction strategies at the source.
Technical solutions for waste classification and management: A mini-review
Authors: M Shreya , V Nimal Yughan , Katyal Jyotika , R Ramesh
Published: November 2022

The massive growth of population coupled with urbanization over the years has created a significant challenge of increase in waste generation. India has achieved massive developmental growth in economic and social areas but still lacks a proper waste management system. The lack of knowledge about segregation of waste into different categories and proper disposal techniques in a country like India with an accelerated population growth is a critical issue. Since trash has different disposal techniques, according to its type, segregating waste through an automated process at the point of collection will streamline the process and result in effective waste management and utilization. The mini-review article evaluates the recent literature on technologies used for municipal waste segregation and management, with the motive of providing critical information for advancement in current research. This article reviews the use of various convolutional neural network architectures for waste classification and describes in detail as to why image processing methods are preferred over sensors for segregation into respective categories. It is also important to have an efficient waste monitoring and management system for proper disposal. A comprehensive mini-review was undertaken to understand internet of things-based models proposing efficient waste handling, from the perspective of reduced costs, collection time and optimized routes. The proposed systems were compared and evaluated based on the sensors used monitoring, microcontrollers and communication protocols such as Long Range, Global System for Mobile Communication, Zigbee and Wi-Fi, which are employed for the secure and efficient data transmission.
Examining Longitudinal and Concurrent Links Between Writing Motivation and Writing Quality in Middle School
Authors: Rasteiro Isabel , Limpo Teresa
Published: November 2022

Research shows that writing motivation decreases throughout schooling and predicts writing performance. However, this evidence comes primarily from cross-sectional studies. Here, we adopted a longitudinal approach to (a) examine the development of attitudes toward writing, writing self-efficacy domains, and motives to write from Grade 6 to 7, and (b) test their longitudinal and concurrent contribution to the quality of opinion essay in Grade 7, after controlling for quality in Grade 6. For that, 112 Portuguese students completed motivation-related questionnaires and composed two opinion essays in Grade 6 and 1 year later, in Grade 7. Findings showed that, while attitudes and all motives to write declined, self-efficacy did not. Additionally, opinion essay quality in Grade 7 was associated with essay quality in Grade 6 as well as with self-efficacy for self-regulation and intrinsic motives in Grade 7. In other words, current motivational beliefs seem more important to students’ writing quality than their past beliefs. This conclusion means that, in order to fostering students’ writing performance, middle-grade teachers should nurture their positive beliefs about writing by placing a higher value on writing motivation in the classroom.
Forward collision warning system using multi-modal trajectory prediction of the intelligent vehicle
Authors: Wu Xiaodong , Yan Liang , Li Huanghe , Su Chengrui
Published: November 2022

As one of important advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) for intelligent vehicles, forward collision warning system is an effective solution to avoid the trafﬁc accidents. Accurately trajectory prediction can obtain the future spatial distribution of the vehicles in contextual trafﬁc, which will help the driver make the decisions and avoid potential collisions. This paper proposes an effective trajectory prediction method based on long short term memory model integrated with attention mechanism and regularization strategy (AR-LSTM). The long short-term memory and convolutional neural network (LSTM-CNN) is utilized to recognize the driver’s lane change intention. Combined with the multi-modal information of the vehicles such as vehicle status variables, trafﬁc information, and driver’s lane change intention, the AR-LSTM model is designed to predict the vehicle’s future trajectory. Besides, the AR-LSTM and LSTM- CNN model are trained and tested by the real traffic data set NGSIM (next generation simulation). Finally, considering two maneuvers to avoid the collisions by braking or changing lane, the proposed forward collision warning system is veriﬁed by the hardware-in-loop (HIL) platform compared to the existed ﬁxed TTC (time to collision) method. And the statistical results demonstrate that the proposed system can provide correct warnings of braking and decrease invalid warnings of braking.
Towards sustainable environment: Unleashing the mechanism between green finance and corporate social responsibility
Authors: Cai Xuesen , Song Xiaowei
Published: November 2022

Environmental and socio-economic activities are vital to achieving sustainable growth. Corporate social responsibility (CSR) originated to achieve social equilibrium via the sustainable performance of organizations. Nevertheless, corporations require ample resources to cope with the concepts of CSR and sustainability. Accordingly, the present research analyses the function of green financing, which encompasses the economic, social, and environmental practices for accomplishing and developing CSR goals in the automobile industry. Using questionnaire survey and structural equation modelling, this study's data supports the contribution of green finance and its associated practices (economic ( β = 0.248***, 0.239**, 0.312***, 0.125**, 0.549***), social ( β = 0.343***, 0.147**, 0.458***, 0.593***, 0.257***), and environmental practices ( β = 0.487***, 0.164**, 0.238**, 0.043*, 0.126**)) to the enhancement of CSR's implications. Research findings suggest that organizations should devote more monetary resources to enhancing CSR traits. Future research directions are also discussed at the end of study.
Optimal integral–proportional derivative controller design for input load disturbance rejection of time delay integrating processes
Authors: Peker Fuat , Kaya Ibrahim
Published: November 2022

One of the commonly encountered type of processes in industry is integrating systems. For this type of processes, tuning formulas to calculate optimally integral–proportional derivative controller parameters to reject input load disturbance, which is an important problem in process control, are presented here. Simple tuning formulas are provided to set the integral–proportional derivative controller parameters for rejection of input load disturbance of integrating plus first order plus dead time and double integrating plus first order plus dead time processes. Time-weighted integral performance indices are exploited to derive optimal formulas for input load disturbance rejection. Achieved formulas for integral–proportional derivative tuning contain only process transfer function parameters. To show benefits and usefulness of the suggested design approach, simulation examples are imparted. Furthermore, comparisons to some available design approaches are given to reveal the superior performance of the suggested design method. In addition, proposed design method is experimentally validated by controlling a cart position.
Holocene capuchin-monkey stone tool deposits shed doubts on the human origin of archeological sites from the Pleistocene of Brazil
Authors: Agnolín Agustín M , Agnolín Federico L
Published: November 2022

New World capuchin monkeys are well-known by their ability to solve problems using stone tools that have the characteristics and morphology of some human-made stone tools. The aim of the present contribution is to carry out brief comparisons between the Pleistocene archeological sites from Brazil (e.g. Pedra Furada, Sitio do Meio, Vale da Pedra Furada, Toca da Tira Peia) and capuchin-made stone tool deposits. Pleistocene sites from Brazil are characterized by the exclusive use of immediately available raw material, the predominance of unifacial flaking, and abundance of cortical flakes, together with the absence of blades and bifacial thinning techniques. In all these aspects, the sites resemble capuchin-made lithic deposits and lack a number of human attributes. In sum, based on positive and negative evidence we are confident that the early archeological sites from Brazil may not be human-derived but may belong to capuchin monkeys.
Diagnostic Accuracy of Cord and Venous Blood Procalcitonin in Relation to Neonatal Sepsis Screen
Authors: Meena Chiranji Lal , Sharma Rambabu , Bagri Dhan Raj , Singh Neelam
Published: November 2022

Background:

Neonatal sepsis is an important cause of neonatal deaths globally. Diagnosis of neonatal sepsis is established based on the clinical status of the newborn and microbiological tests of sepsis screen. Mid-phase markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum procalcitonin (PCT) are considered useful and sensitive for early diagnosis. Most of the studies evaluating serum cord blood PCT as a diagnostic marker for neonatal septicemia have been carried out in peripheral venous blood with smaller sample sizes with the inclusion of neonates without considering perinatal sepsis scores (PSSs).

Objective:

To compare the diagnostic accuracy of cord blood PCT with venous blood PCT, alone and as part of sepsis screening parameters.

Study Design:

This hospital-based, prospective diagnostic accuracy study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of serum PCT alone and in combination with other diagnostic modalities for the detection of early-onset neonatal sepsis in cord blood and to compare the diagnostic utility of PCT with neonatal sepsis screening parameters in venous blood and was conducted at a tertiary care center. Categorical/nominal variables were expressed as numbers and percentages and were analyzed using the chi-square test. The receiver–operating characteristic curve was drawn to determine the area under the curve (with a 95% confidence interval) for various parameters for the diagnosis of sepsis. Sensitivity, specificity, positive-predictive value (PPV), negative-predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were calculated by using a 2 × 2 contingency table. All statistical analyses were done using SPSS trial version 20.

Participants:

A total of 247 newborns delivered with positive PSSs were enrolled.

Intervention:

In neonates with a positive PSS, cord blood serum PCT, sepsis screen, and blood culture were sent at the time of birth. They were observed for 72 hours for signs and symptoms suggestive of sepsis.

Results:

Statistical analysis of cord blood serum PCT for detecting blood culture-positive patients showed that PCT has a sensitivity of 44.4%, specificity of 86.4%, PPV of 33.3%, and NPV of 91.1%. Overall diagnostic accuracy is 80.9% indicating that cord blood PCT is a good test for identifying these patients ( p <.05). However, venous blood PCT failed to demonstrate similar results.

Conclusion:

Umbilical blood sampling protects neonates from the pain of venipunctures. Statistical comparison of cord blood PCT in relation to sepsis screen and/or blood culture and comparisons with the venous blood parameters in the same domains suggests better sensitivity and specificity than venous blood PCT. This early serological biomarker is valuable for early diagnosis and management while awaiting blood culture reports and helps in reducing the separation of neonates with suspected sepsis from their mother and thus helping in developmental supportive care.
An innovative Australian doctors’ health service: using systems therapy to work with individual medical leaders in an acute public health setting
Authors: Peisah Carmelle
Published: November 2022

Objective

To describe an innovative doctors’ health service (Professional Support Unit) utilising systems therapy to support individual medical leaders across an Australian local public health district.

Method

Therapeutic interventions were informed by systems theory, the study of social systems, coherent entities with hierarchical orders united by organising relations of rules, roles, structures and alliances. Systems therapy addresses these relations to effect change. Working with leaders individually was based on the premise of effecting change in the system by changing part of the system, particularly the ‘decider subsystem’ of the medical lead.

Results

Support was provided to 30 medical leaders (50% of potential cohort). All but five self-referred with zero dropouts. Referrals snowballed gradually and exponentially following psychoeducation sessions normalising struggling and seeking help. Diversity of themes presented or emerging included requests for: (i) psychological support for lead/family, or staff/family; (ii)didactic sessions regarding impairment, ageing doctor, performance management and mental health first aid for doctors; (iv) anger management; (v) difficult staff; and (vi) being undermined or placed in untenable positions. Interventions were accordingly diverse and tailored. A vulnerable-resilience model was developed with practical tips.

Conclusions

Supporting medical leaders using therapeutic interventions grounded in systems theory may go towards addressing organisational duty of care to maintain safe work systems.
Cleft Lip With Ankyloblepharon Filiforme Adnatum: A Case Report
Authors: Takaichi Mayu , Fujiwara Kumiko , Nakamichi Naomi , Ishizaka Risa , Imaue Shuichi , Ikeda Atsushi , Noguchi Makoto
Published: November 2022

Ankyloblepharon filiforme adnatum (AFA) is a rare, benign congenital anomaly. Notably, it is characterized by the adhesion of the ciliary edges of the upper and lower eyelids at the trabecular line. AFA is usually a solitary malformation of sporadic occurrence; however, it can occur in conjunction with other congenital diseases. Herein, we report a case of cleft lip with AFA. A patient was referred to the ophthalmology department of our hospital. The ophthalmic diagnosis was AFA in both the eyes. The left eye was observed to have a fibrous adhesion in the center, and she underwent surgery to excise the fibrous adhesion of tissue with scissors. The right eye was observed to have a fibrous adhesion in the external canthus and was excised during lip plasty. After surgery, her eyes were able to fully open, and no other apparent disease was diagnosed. AFA is thought to be caused by an ectodermal-derived developmental abnormality. Notably, cases of AFA with a cleft lip are rare. Diagnosis and surgery should be performed promptly to minimize any risk of amblyopia and for the early detection of congenital diseases, including glaucoma.
A RIVA-DM Subanalysis Investigating Patients With Nonvalvular Atrial Fibrillation and Type 2 Diabetes Aged Under Versus Over 80 Years
Authors: Coleman Craig I. , Costa Olivia S. , Brescia Christopher W. , Vardar Burcu , Abdelgawwad Khaled , Hofmeister Lucas , Sood Nitesh
Published: November 2022

Background

Advanced age and type 2 diabetes (T2D) are common in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF). We evaluated the impact of age on the effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin in this population.

Methods

We analyzed electronic health record data from November 2010, to December 2019 including adults with NVAF and T2D, newly started on rivaroxaban or warfarin. Propensity score-overlap weighted hazard ratios (HRs) for stroke/systemic embolism (SSE), hospitalization for major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB), vascular death, major adverse limb events (MALE), major bleeding, and intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) were calculated for older (≥80 years) and younger (<80 years) cohorts.

Results

We included 32 078 rivaroxaban and 83 971 warfarin users (6606 rivaroxaban and 25,335 warfarin patients were aged ≥80 years). No significant interaction for rivaroxaban versus warfarin by age was observed for any outcome, including SSE (HR = 1.05 vs 0.95), hospitalization for major or CRNMB (HR = 1.06 vs 0.90), vascular death (HR = 0.92 vs 0.90), MALE (HR = 0.80 vs 0.76), major bleeding or ICH.

Conclusions

The effectiveness and safety of rivaroxaban versus warfarin remained consistent across patient age subgroups.
Sustainable Infrastructure: A Systematic Literature Review on Finance Arrangements and Governance Modes
Authors: Endo Kei , Edelenbos Jurian , Gianoli Alberto
Published: November 2022

In recent years, the concept of sustainable infrastructure has become a key concern for infrastructure development. However, there has been little comprehensive research on the enabling factors for sustainable infrastructure development. To address these knowledge gaps, this research conducted a systematic literature review of the enabling factors, with a specific focus on finance and governance, to provide new insights for development practitioners and academic scholars. The research first reviewed the characteristics of sustainable infrastructure, identifying several types of definitions. Subsequently, the research identified multiple finance arrangements and governance characteristics that have been applied to sustainable infrastructure. We confirmed that public-private partnerships (PPPs) and multilateral development banks (MDBs) play central and critical roles in leading and including other finance arrangements and governance characteristics of sustainable infrastructure development. In addition, the review suggests there are various governance modes combining horizontal process management with vertical project management for realizing sustainable infrastructure development.
Performance comparison of the A-grid and C-grid shallow-water models on icosahedral grids
Authors: Middlecoff Jacques , Yu Yonggang G , Govett Mark W
Published: November 2022

This study uses a single software framework to compare the CPU performance of Arakawa A-grid (NICAM) and C-grid (MPAS) schemes for solving the shallow-water equations on icosahedral grids. The focus is on high-resolution weather prediction. Performance analysis shows the simpler structure of the A-grid equations enables compiler optimization-based efficiency gains that the C-grid equations cannot match. Strong scaling runs at 3.5 km resolution show the A-grid is three times faster than the C-grid, enabling the A-grid to run at 50% higher resolution in only 15% more time. A performance comparison with the MPAS shallow-water model is included which demonstrates that our software implementation of the C-grid is robust and comparisons are fair.
Superweapons and the myth of technological peace
Authors: Renic Neil C.
Published: November 2022

In this article, I trace and critique the discourse of “The Superweapon Peace”—the long-standing and enduring idea that weapons of radical destructiveness, both nuclear and non-nuclear, can force an end to war by rendering it too destructive to contemplate. The Superweapon Peace, I argue, is constituted by three elements. The first is an assumption of war as a controllable and resolvable problem. Within this formulation, superweapons function as disincentivizers, “solving” war by raising its destructive cost to an unendurable level. For all its intuitive appeal, this logic is flawed, grounded in a certitude of control that fails to comport with empirical reality. The second element of The Superweapon Peace is utopian ambition. Its proponents hold that through the threat of mass violence, war can be overcome in a fundamental sense. This, I argue, gives license to a ruthless consequentialism at odds with conventional morality, which restricts the use or threatened use of violence against those not liable to such an end. The third and final element of The Superweapon Peace is silver-bullet thinking, which frames the superweapon as the most effective, and likely only, method by which to eliminate or significantly mitigate large-scale armed conflict. This mode of thinking has overly narrowed the scope of possibility regarding alternative remedies to war. The Superweapon Peace, I ultimately conclude, is a false promise, giving license to modes of thinking and action that imperil rather than facilitate peace.