bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hottentot Venus Redux: Nelisiwe Xaba’s Critical Moves of Resistance
Authors: Mtshali Mbongeni N.
Published: May 2020

In her transdisciplinary work, The Venus (2009), Nelisiwe Xaba reimagines Sara Baartman, the so-called Hottentot Venus, as a cosmopolitical black feminist African figure. Her work disrupts the meanings attached to the colonial spectacle of hypervisible black flesh, as well as the logics that keep these meanings intact in the postcolonial world now.
Public Library: Crystal Meth, Choreography, Conceptual Art
Authors: Stovall Maya
Published: May 2020

The public video project The Public Library includes the performance of writing field notes and of choreographed dance sequences — which together serve as an ethnographic prompt for discussions about city life in northwestern Canada. The growing presence of crystal methamphetamine in sidewalk life and in the lives of First Nations persons is part of the discussion.
Using structural connectivity to augment community structure in EEG functional connectivity
Authors: Glomb Katharina , Mullier Emeline , Carboni Margherita , Rubega Maria , Iannotti Giannarita , Tourbier Sebastien , Seeber Martin , Vulliemoz Serge , Hagmann Patric
Published: May 2020

Recently, EEG recording techniques and source analysis have improved, making it feasible to tap into fast network dynamics. Yet, analyzing whole-cortex EEG signals in source space is not standard, partly because EEG suffers from volume conduction: Functional connectivity (FC) reflecting genuine functional relationships is impossible to disentangle from spurious FC introduced by volume conduction. Here, we investigate the relationship between white matter structural connectivity (SC) and large-scale network structure encoded in EEG-FC. We start by confirming that FC (power envelope correlations) is predicted by SC beyond the impact of Euclidean distance, in line with the assumption that SC mediates genuine FC. We then use information from white matter structural connectivity in order to smooth the EEG signal in the space spanned by graphs derived from SC. Thereby, FC between nearby, structurally connected brain regions increases while FC between nonconnected regions remains unchanged, resulting in an increase in genuine, SC-mediated FC. We analyze the induced changes in FC, assessing the resemblance between EEG-FC and volume-conduction- free fMRI-FC, and find that smoothing increases resemblance in terms of overall correlation and community structure. This result suggests that our method boosts genuine FC, an outcome that is of interest for many EEG network neuroscience questions.
A new pratylenchid nematode, Hoplotylus japonicus n. sp. (Tylenchina: Pratylenchidae) from the rhizosphere of Japanese maple, Acer palmatum (Thumb.)
Authors: Gu Jianfeng , Maria Munawar , Fang Yiwu , Pedram Majid
Published: May 2020

During quarantine inspections, a new species of Hoplotylus was detected from the rhizosphere of the Japanese maple, Acer palmatum, imported into China from Japan. Hoplotylus japonicus n. sp. is characterised by a stout 431-602 μm long body, well-developed 20.0-24.5 μm long stylet with tulip-shaped knobs having rounded sides in lateral view and a rounded anterior margin, excretory pore located slightly posterior to the hemizonid, usually empty, spermatheca, conical tail with a spike-like projection, which is distally smooth on the dorsal side, and males not found. It was morphologically compared with four currently known species of the genus, viz., H. femina, H. montanus, H. silvaticus, and H. sjacobi. In molecular phylogenetic analyses using 18S, 28S and internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal DNA sequences, the new species formed a clade with the only currently sequenced species of the genus, H. femina, in all phylogenies. This is the second species of the genus characterised by molecular data and the second species recovered from Japan.
High Price Medicines and Health Budgets: The Role Patients’ and Consumers’ Organisations Can Play
Authors: Houÿez François
Published: May 2020

Healthcare systems face challenges due to budget constraints, complex therapies, and new treatments for rare diseases. One of the most successful patient advocacy campaigns of all times was initiated by people living with HIV and AIDS in African countries. Facing industry giants, they won court cases allowing governments to ignore intellectual property rights when the price of a medicine was abnormally high. This led to the approval of the international ‘Agreement on Trade Related aspects of Intellectual Property Rights’, which contributed to improving the availability of AIDS treatments for millions of people. Beyond this successful patient advocacy campaign, patient organisations have an important role to play in national discussions on prices of treatments and pharmaceuticals, especially for rare diseases. This article first discusses the specificity of the pricing of orphan medicinal products, and then provides an overview of some of the important actions that can be carried out by patients’ organisations.
Ethical, Legal and Regulatory Issues of Paediatric Translational Research. Call for an Adequate Model of Governance
Authors: Altavilla Annagrazia , Giannuzzi Viviana , Lupo Mariangela , Bonifazi Donato , Ceci Adriana
Published: May 2020

The lack of paediatric medicines, including innovative and advanced ones, is a long-lasting and well-known problem at European and international levels. Despite the existing legal frameworks and incentives, children remain deprived of many kinds of therapy because of challenges faced in appropriately study and tailoring medicinal and other products for them. In this context, the necessity to foster paediatric research addressing unsolved and uncovered issues within a ‘translational approach’ has appeared. This article, after having clarified the concept of translational research in the perspective of the establishment of a European paediatric research infrastructure (RI), will identify and point out ethical, legal and regulatory issues particularly relevant in a children’s rights perspective. It concludes asking for the setting up of an adequate model of governance within a future RI, including adequate and independent ethical oversight and a pluridisciplinary common service dealing with ethical, legal and societal issues relevant for children.
International Framework Agreements
Authors: Zimmer Reingard
Published: May 2020

When the negative outcome of globalization in the 1990s was becoming more visible and transnational companies were heavily criticized, the first global union federations started to negotiate transnational agreements with transnational companies to counter unilateral codes of conduct which had been proclaimed at that time. Today there are more than 140 international framework agreements (‘IFAs’) with the aim of ensuring social standards are at place, some dedicated to specific topics. These agreements developed and now often contain specific provisions on implementation and monitoring, sometimes including complaint and dispute resolution mechanisms. Some of these IFAs provide local trade unions with specific rights like access to the premises or neutrality in case of unionizing campaigns. Thriving examples are the Indonesian Freedom of Association Protocol and the Bangladesh Accord, which contain detailed provisions, as will be analyzed below. This development may be described as the beginning of transnational collective bargaining.
The Role of Effective Enforcement in International Law on Labour Migration
Authors: Olsson Petra Herzfeld
Published: May 2020

Labour migrants shall according to the ILO and UN conventions on labour migration be provided with equal treatment with local workers with regard to working conditions including pay. Factors like migration law (creating dependence on employers and fears of expulsion) and limited access to justice, challenge the enforcement of the equal treatment principle. The social dumping argument has been raised by actors arguing for the closure of borders. However, labour migration is a feature of contemporary labour markets and the future world of work. Instead of rising walls measures to overcome obstacles against equal treatment must be considered. Effective monitoring and enforcement are crucial in this respect. The explicit enforcement provisions in the ILO and UN conventions are quite vague. In this paper it will be analysed to what extent the monitoring bodies of the relevant ILO and UN conventions demand for effective monitoring and enforcement of the equal treatment principle in their comments to the state parties and what kind of measures they suggest that the state parties shall take to make the equal treatment principle a reality. The analysis reveals that the monitoring bodies apply a context based interpretation of the provisions in the conventions, suggesting a wide range of measures to overcome the obstacles mentioned. The division between migration law and labour law turns out to be of less importance than the ambition to make equal treatment a reality.
Governmentality of Children’s Play
Authors: PETERS Michael A. , Xudong ZHU
Published: May 2020

This editorial provides a brief analysis of the emergence of modern concept of the child, originating with Rousseau and Kant. It is a notion that is predicated on the concept of freedom to which ‘play’ is a natural cognate, and it is associated with the ideology of universal rights. This view is contrasted with Jacques Donzelot’s ‘The Policing of the Family’ that describes the governmentality of children through the language of the welfare state; and the current era of governmentality through the market where neoliberal notions of ‘choice’ and ‘quality’ dominate.
Features of Social Play in 8- to 11-Year-Olds in China: Exploring Children’s Own Perspectives
Authors: Zhen RAO , GIBSON Jenny , NICHOLL Bill
Published: May 2020

This paper presents a small-scale exploratory study investigating social play among 8- to 11-year-old Chinese children. Semi-structured interviews were carried out with six self-selected pairs of children in six natural settings (two homes, two parks, and two playgrounds). Children’s responses to the interview questions and their spontaneous play activities during the interview were audio-recorded and analysed thematically based on transcription. Pretend play and games with rules were found to be two popular types of social play among these children. Three features of social play activities were identified: combination of real-life elements and creation, combination of variation and consistency, and combination of conflicts and compromises. According to children’s own perspectives, being appropriately challenged, being fair, and having autonomy were important for them during play. Children also reported positive emotions during play and negative emotions when not having opportunity to play. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
Early embryology of Vochysiaceae and some insights into its phylogeny and intrafamilial taxonomy

Authors: CARMO-OLIVEIRA RENATA , CUSTÓDIO LUCIANA NASCIMENTO , MORRETES BERTA LANGE DE , OLIVEIRA PAULO EUGÊNIO
Published: May 2020

Embryological data provides insights into the taxonomy and evolution of angiosperms.  Vochysiaceae is a mostly Neotropical family whose phylogenetic position was greatly influenced by reconstructions based on molecular data, and despite its monosymmetric and oligostemonous flowers, was included as a sister group of polysymmetric and polystemonous Myrtaceae. However, molecular data has yet to resolve the relationships between the genera inside the family. We analysed the early embryology of some species of five out of the six generally accepted Neotropical genera using sequential histological analyses to compare the microsporogenesis and gametogenesis and megasporogenesis and gametogenesis between clades and with the embryology of the well-studied Myrtales. We observed some marked differences in timing and developmental stages, which somewhat corroborate the clades defined from molecular data. Multiple archesporium and embryo sacs, as well as megagametophyte maturation and fertilization long after anthesis, characterized the Qualea-Ruizteranea-Callisthene (QRC) clade, while single embryo sac mature at anthesis characterized the Vochysia-Salvertia (VS) clade. Tri-cellular pollen only occurred in Salvertia convallariodora. Seven of the eight main embryological features supported the Myrtales as present in Vochysiaceae and the remaining one, inner integument with two layers of cells, was observed in some Qualea. Thus, the studied Vochysiaceae embryology conforms very well within the order and only their strongly monosymmetric and oligostemonous flowers are less common among Myrtales.
Lecanicillium gracile (Cordycipitaceae), a new species isolated from mineral building materials

Authors: PONIZOVSKAYA VALERIA B. , GRUM-GRZHIMAYLO ALEXEY A. , GEORGIEVA MARINA L. , KOKAEVA LYUDMILA Y. , BILANENKO ELENA N.
Published: May 2020

Lecanicillium isolates were obtained from deteriorated limestone and plaster inside historic buildings in Russia. Phylogenetic analysis of ITS and TEF1a sequence data coupled with morphological observations showed that three of the Lecanicillium isolates represent a new species, which we herein describe as Lecanicillium gracile. Lecanicillium gracile is morphologically similar to the closely related species, such as L. coprophilum, L. restrictum and L. testudineum, but differs by producing phialides secondarily on the initial phialides. Two another Lecanicillium isolates grouped with L. testudineum and L. coprophilum and hence we leave those isolates unidentified. In addition, we have isolated Parengyodontium album from deteriorated indoor mineral surfaces, which is phylogenetically close to Lecanicillium and produces zigzag-shaped tips of conidiogenous cells. Given high CFU counts of the isolated species in limestone and/or plaster samples and their physiological traits, we conclude that they are involved in deterioration of stone material inside historic buildings and deserve attention during restoration works.
Gentiana sasidharanii (Gentianaceae), a new species from Western Ghats, India

Authors: PRABHUKUMAR KONICKAL MAMBETTA , SUNIL CHANDRASSERIL NARAYANAN , SREEJITH CHITTIYATH MADHAVAN , KUMAR VANNARATTA VEETTIL NAVEEN , BALACHANDRAN INDIRA
Published: May 2020

Gentiana sasidharanii, a new species of Gentianaceae, from Western Ghats of Kerala, India, is here described and illustrated. Species distribution, phenology and colour photographs of the new species are provided. A comparative table of the new species with G. kurumba, and a key to allied species are also presented.
3. Not as 'Foreign' as You Think
Authors: Maiden Martin , Cappellaro Chiara , Lahiri Aditi
Published: May 2020

Chapter 3 deploys methods from historical and experimental linguistics to examine how speakers of one language manage to understand people speaking another (related) language, identifying strategies they use to create meaning in response to the ‘other language’ – and strategies with which they create barriers to understanding in order to preserve a distinctive identity.
7. Getting Creative in the Languages Classroom
Authors: Graham Suzanne , Fisher Linda , Hofweber Julia , Krüsemann Heike
Published: May 2020

Chapter 7 draws on empirically based methodologies in the field of Second Language Education to consider creative alternatives to the prevalent emphasis on language learning for functional purposes, investigating the extent to which they may enhance foreign-language acquisition in schools and beyond.
Introducing Creative Multilingualism
Authors: Kohl Katrin , Ouyang Wen-chin
Published: May 2020

The introduction presents the concept of Creative Multilingualism, outlines the structure of and motivations behind the present volume, and identifies the various audiences for whom the book is intended. It unpacks what is meant by the term ‘multilingualism’, explores the effects of ‘monolingualism’, and highlights the relationship at the core of the book – that between language and creativity.
Role of Nanotechnology in Lossless Video Compression Coding
Authors: Loukil H. , Abbas M. , Algahtani Ali , Kessentini A. , Muneer P. , Ijyas Thafasal , Wase M. Abdul
Published: May 2020

High-Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) is a standard that has been developed by a collaboration of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) with Moving Picture Experts Group of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC). The standard, by and large, is achieving substantial spatial versatility and enhanced video compression. HEVC is a spatial coding method for video that reduces the size and number of images in it, allowing for great versatility. This allows for new benchmark for creating high-quality
video encoders, as well as high-quality video streams while retaining lower bit rates. This article outlines the most recent video compression model identified as the H.26x family, including its most recent standard, H.265, also known as HEVC. In this work, we also propose the possibility
of using nanotechnology to increase the efficiency of video compression process with very little loss. We also studied the possibility of using Spherical Piezo Acoustic Transducers instead of the traditional Context-based Adaptive Binary Arithmetic Coding. Finally, a nano-scale transducer
was fabricated with a lossless infinite plate and a lossless waveguide, which has the ability to resist fracture due to a low von Mises stress along its surface.
Study on the Mechanism of Cold Tolerance of the Strain Shewanella putrefaciens WS13 Through Fatty Acid Metabolism
Authors: Chen Li , Yu Hao , Yang Shengping , Qian Yunfang , Xie Jing
Published: May 2020

In order to investigate the cold tolerance mechanism of Shewanella, the whole genome of strain Shewanella putrefaciens WS13 was used to study the comparative genome related to cold tolerance of Shewanella . By comparing and analyzing the key enzymes involved in
the process of lipid synthesis with those of other psychrophilic and non-psychrophilic bacteria, the results showed that in S. putrefaciens WS13, the genes fabA, fabB, fabD, fabF, fabG, fabH and fabZ, as the key enzymes of fatty acid
synthesis, were found in the target strain, but the gene fabI did not exist in the type II fatty acid synthesis pathway. However, due to the absence of the key enzyme fabI gene, the synthesis process of saturated fatty acids will be blocked, and the pathway of unsaturated fatty
acid synthesis still exists, which leads to the bacteria Shewanella start to synthesize a large number of unsaturated fatty acids, thus increasing the synthesis of unsaturated fatty acids and reducing the synthesis of saturated fatty acids. It is precisely because unsaturated fatty
acids have lower phase transition temperature than that saturated fatty acids have, which can increase the fluidity of biofilm, so that Shewanella has better cold adaptability than that other bacteria have. It is a complex biological process for microorganisms to adapt to the environment,
and the biosynthesis of fatty acids is only one aspect. However, the mechanism of cold adaptation of Shewanella in other aspects remains to be further discussed.
Omnidirectional THz Mirror on a One-Dimensional Porous Silicon Thermocrystal
Authors: Manzanares-Martínez B. , Manzanares-Martinez J.
Published: May 2020

We have designed a thermocrystal that reflects phononic thermal radiation. In the THz range, heat is kinetic energy carried predominantly by phononic vibrations. These mechanical vibrations have wavelengths that produces interferences within the internal interfaces of a phononic crystal.
We determined conditions to obtain gaps simultaneously for longitudinal and transverse waves in a porous silicon multilayer. We propose a one-dimensional crystal with an omnidirectional mirror that reflects all phononic vibrations in the THz.
Efficacy of Cortex Mori–Liuwei Dihuang Nanoparticle Pills on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via TGF-β/Smad Signaling
Authors: Zhang Xing , Xia Chengkai , Li Shanshan
Published: May 2020

Cortex Mori and Liuwei Dihuang nanoparticle pills nourish Qi and Yin; clear heat; treat diabetes; and promote body fluids, kidney toning, and astringent functions. These are herbal treatments associated with the mechanisms involved in nephrosis, such as the promotion of insulin secretion
and enhancement of glucose use in the body via the cooked land, Cornus, or Poria. Ling and yam reduce blood sugar. Alisma orientalis and peony bark inhibit fat accumulation and blood coagulation and also show antithrombotic action. This study investigated the effects of
Cortex Mori and Liuwei Dihuang nanoparticle pills on renal interstitial fibrosis and the TGF-β1/Smads signaling in adenineinduced Wistar rats with renal interstitial fibrosis. The expression of TGF-β1and Smad-2/3 protein was detected by immunohistochemistry and western
blotting. The expression of TGF-β1 mRNA was detected by semiquantitative RT-PCR. The tested nanoparticle pills significantly reduced the area of renal interstitial fibrosis in treated rats compared with that in control rats (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the pills significantly
reduced the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA in renal tissue of treated rats compared with that in the renal of control rats. Thus, Cortex Mori–Liuwei Dihuang nanoparticle pills may affect the mechanism that delays renal interstitial fibrosis via reducing the protein expression
of Smad-2/3 and TGF-β1 and inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad singling.
Prediction of Neoadjuvant Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer Based on 3.0T MRI Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion Weighted-Imaging with Fe3O4 Nanocontrast Agent
Authors: Hu Hongbo , Jiang Huijie
Published: May 2020

The purpose of this study was to preliminarily explore the feasibility of pre-treatment intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted imaging (IVIM-DWI) for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) in patients with locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Fifty-four
patients underwent preoperative IVIM-DWI before (pre-nCRT) and after nCRT (post-nCRT). The values of pre-nCRT and post-nCRT IVIM-DWI parameters (apparent diffusion coefficient standard (ADC), true diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*) and perfusion fraction (f),
together with the percentage changes (Δ% parametric value) induced by nCRT, were compared between pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR groups. After nCRT, the ADC and Dvalues for LARC increased significantly (all P <0.05). The TRG score revealed positive
correlations with pre f (r = 0.357, P = 0.020), postD (r =0.551,P <0.001), and Δ%D (r =0.605, P <0.001). The pCR group (n =10) had higher preD *, pref, postD, Δ%ADC, and Δ%D values than the non-pCR group
(n =32) (allP <0.05). The GR group (n =15) exhibited higher postD, %ADC, and %D values than the PR group (n =27) (allP <0.05). Based on ROC analysis, Δ%D had a higher area under the curve value than Δ%ADC (P =0.009) in discriminating
the pCR and non-pCR groups. IVIM-DWI may be helpful in identifying pCR to nCRT for LARC and is more accurate than traditional DWI.
Thermal Responses to Antarctic Ice Shelf Melt in an Eddy-Rich Global Ocean–Sea Ice Model
Authors: Moorman Ruth , Morrison Adele K. , McC. Hogg Andrew
Published: May 2020

The response of near-Antarctic waters to freshening by increased glacial melt is investigated using a high-resolution (0.1°) global ocean–sea ice model with realistic Antarctic water-mass properties. Two meltwater perturbation experiments are conducted where the ocean model is forced with constant elevated glacial melt rates of 1.5 and 2.8 times the control rate. Within 10 years of the onset of enhanced meltwater forcing, the generation of Antarctic Bottom Water from Dense Shelf Water ceases, as shelf waters become increasingly buoyant. Increased ocean stratification triggers subsurface warming in Dense Shelf Water source regions, suggesting a localized positive feedback to melt. In a parallel response, meltwater forcing enhances the subsurface lateral density gradients of the Antarctic Slope Front that modulate the transport of warm Circumpolar Deep Water across the continental slope toward ice shelf grounding lines. Consequently, coastal freshening acts to isolate the Antarctic Ice Sheet from open ocean heat, suggesting a cooling response to melt that counteracts warming associated with stratification. Further, these strengthening density gradients accelerate westward geostrophic currents along the coast and shelf break, homogenizing shelf waters and amplifying remote feedbacks. The net effect on the continental shelf is transient warming, followed by cooling in both experiments; however, this signal is the aggregate of a complex pattern of regional warming and cooling responses. These results suggest coastal freshening by meltwater may alter the thermal forcing of the Antarctic ice sheet in ways that both accelerate and inhibit ice shelf melt at different locations along the Antarctic coastline.
The Corona Virus and Migration Governance in South Africa: Business As Usual?
Authors: Zanker Franzisca Luise , Moyo Khangelani
Published: May 2020

The South African response in dealing with the Corona pandemic needs to speak to the realities of all people living in the country, including migrant and refugee communities. Reflecting on this in light of ongoing research on the political stakes of migration governance, we find that the virus response shows little change in the government agenda when it comes to dealing with refugees and other migrants. Veritably, we see that the pandemic may even be an excuse for pushing through already-aspired to policies. This includes the securitised agenda behind the sudden building of a border fence to close off Zimbabwe and the xenophobic-rhetorical clout behind the lockdown rules about which shops are allowed to remain open. The temporary stay on renewing asylum seekers permits counts as a perfunctory exception. We show that each of these developments very much play into politics as usual.
Prealbumin: The clinical utility and analytical methodologies
Authors: Ranasinghe Ruvini NK , Biswas Milly , Vincent Royce P
Published: May 2020

Prealbumin is a small protein which has been widely evaluated as a nutritional and a prognostic marker. The small size and concentration of prealbumin in blood proposes challenges on measuring it with high sensitivity and specificity. Over the years, a number of analytical methodologies have been developed, which may help establish prealbumin as a useful biomarker in routine clinical practice. The aim of the short review was to explore the current literature on the clinical utility of prealbumin and the advances made in the analytical methodologies of prealbumin. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Library for articles published between January 1980 and July 2019, with the general search terms of ‘prealbumin’, ‘prognostic marker’, ‘nutritional marker’, ‘analytical methodologies’ and ‘malnutrition’. Additionally, we selected relevant articles and comprehensive overviews from reference lists of identified studies. The routine use of prealbumin in clinical practice remains debatable; however; it can complement clinical history, anthropometric assessment and physical examination to assess malnutrition with more certainty. Consensus on the clinical applications of prealbumin in the management of malnutrition is warranted.
Which Mothers Know That All Babies Cry? A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Child Abuse Prevention Program for Low-Income New Mothers
Authors: Cala Cala Luisa F. , Kelly Carrie Leah , Ramos Elaina , VanVleet Marcia , High Pamela
Published: May 2020

This study evaluated an intervention for low-income new mothers, half from Spanish-speaking homes, that provides education around infant crying and abusive head trauma (AHT). At enrollment, non–US-born mothers were less likely than US-born mothers to have heard of shaken baby syndrome (60% vs 89%, P ≤ .0001) or to know shaking babies could lead to brain damage or death (48% vs 80%, P < .0001). At follow-up, non–US-born intervention mothers had improved knowledge of the peak of crying (31% vs 4%, P = .009), improved knowledge that shaking a baby could lead to brain damage or death (36% vs 12%, P = .035), and identified more calming strategies for parenting stress compared with non–US-born control mothers (+0.8 [SD = 1.1] vs −0.4 [SD = 1.4]). This study identifies a gap in AHT knowledge at baseline of non–US-born mothers. These mothers had improved knowledge with intervention and are an important population for similar prevention efforts.
Injuries and deaths proximate to oleoresin capsicum spray deployment: A literature review
Authors: Semple Tori , Jenkins Bryce , Bennell Craig
Published: May 2020

This literature review assessed research related to injuries and deaths proximate to oleoresin capsicum (OC) spray deployment. Our review of 22 relevant documents suggests that OC spray is often effective and is typically associated with decreased odds of both subject and “deployer” injury. When OC-associated injuries do occur, they consistently appear to be relatively minor. When OC spray is used proximate to a subject’s death, common themes are present. Given the limitations of the research in this area, one must be cautious when speaking to the nature of the relationship between OC spray and injuries or deaths.
Book review: Suketu Mehta, This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto
Authors: Vartak Kalyani
Published: May 2020

Suketu Mehta, This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto. New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2019, x + 306, 27$ (hardback). ISBN: 9780374276027.
Local Tolerability and Performance Evaluation in Domestic Pigs of a Fractional Radiofrequency Device for Dermatologic Treatment
Authors: Ramot Yuval , Klaiman Guy , Steiner Michal , Lavie Yossi , Belenky Inna , Nyska Abraham
Published: May 2020

Information on the safety of energy-based dermatological surgical devices in domestic pigs, and fractional radiofrequency (RF) devices in particular, is very limited. The aim of this study was to evaluate in a GLP-compliant study in domestic pigs the local reaction and performance of a novel fractional RF device. Five female domestic pigs were subjected to fractional RF pulses, using different energy and pulse durations and depth of penetration of the pulses. The animals were evaluated clinically and histologically at different time points (days 0, 1, 3, 7, and 14) postenergy exposure. There were no microscopic or macroscopic local adverse effects in any tested power settings, and there was time-related progressive healing, reaching complete macroscopic and microscopic healing by 7 days postapplication. As expected, there was power-related progressive increase in the incidence of ablation (destruction of skin tissue by vaporization) and coagulative necrosis of the dermis from low to high power setting. This comprehensive study, using multiple power settings (both ablative and coagulative) and several time points, will be of benefit for future studies evaluating new fractional RF devices.
Genetic Correlates of Fatigue in Individuals with End Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Davey Christine Horvat , Webel Allison R. , Sehgal Ashwini R. , Voss Joachim G. , Hsiao Chao-Pin , Darrah Rebecca , Litman Paul , Perez Federico , Desai Niraj B.
Published: May 2020

Fatigue is a prevalent symptom associated with decreased quality of life and increased mortality in individuals with end stage renal disease (ESRD), yet causes of fatigue in individuals with ESRD remain poorly understood. We examined gene expression of Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 (NPAS2) in relation to patient-reported fatigue in 122 individuals with ESRD. Independent samples t-tests were used to examine NPAS2 gene expression profiles of: non-fatigue versus fatigue. Multivariable regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between fatigue and numerous variables including depression. Participants were approximately 58 years old (+/- 13.2 years), 78% African American ( n = 95), and 72% male ( n = 88). The phenotype of fatigue was not significantly associated with gene expression of NPAS2 but was significantly associated with depression ( p< .001). This study suggests that further research should examine the causal mechanism between depression and fatigue in order to identify genetic factors that could explain the high comorbidity of depression and fatigue.
Social Impact of Women SHGs: A Study of NHGs of ‘Kudumbashree’ in Kerala
Authors: Rajagopal N.
Published: May 2020

Historically, the role of ‘self-help groups’ (SHGs) has been highlighted by different authors. The term used widely as cooperation for survival. SHGs play a significant role in transforming the rural economy. Its unprecedented growth helps the resurgence of the weaker section of society in terms of outreach, social position and sustainability. Among different SHGs, ‘Kudumbashree’ of Kerala constitute the largest women SHGs in India. The Government of Kerala launched the programme for poor women on 17 May 1998. Grassroots of ‘Kudumbashree’ are ‘Neighbourhood Groups’ (NHGs). Kudumbashree functions through NHGs.

The present study analyses the social impact of NHGs by taking samples from the tribal and non-tribal areas in the district of Palakkad, Kerala. A detailed survey conducted among 600 respondents with identified social variables. The outcome of the study reveals that NHGs have created a social platform for women to improve social activities and strengthen its members’ social bondage. The social impacts in tribal and non-tribal areas differ for certain social variables and do not vary with others. Overall, the study highlights the need for promoting the role of NHGs as a means of ‘social change’ for strengthening the socialization process of women.
Clinical risk factors and predictive tool of bacteremia in patients with cirrhosis
Authors: Yang Qiao , Jiang Xian Zhong , Zhu Yong Fen , Lv Fang Fang
Published: May 2020

Objective

We aimed to analyze the risk factors and to establish a predictive tool for the occurrence of bloodstream infections (BSI) in patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

A total of 2888 patients with cirrhosis were retrospectively included. Multivariate analysis for risk factors of BSI were tested using logistic regression. Multivariate logistic regression was validated using five-fold cross-validation.

Results

Variables that were independently associated with incidence of BSI were white blood cell count (odds ratio [OR] = 1.094, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.063–1.127)], C-reactive protein (OR = 1.005, 95% CI 1.002–1.008), total bilirubin (OR = 1.003, 95% CI 1.002–1.004), and previous antimicrobial exposure (OR = 4.556, 95% CI 3.369–6.160); albumin (OR = 0.904, 95% CI 0.883–0.926), platelet count (OR = 0.996, 95% CI 0.994–0.998), and serum creatinine (OR = 0.989, 95% CI 0.985–0.994) were associated with lower odds of BSI. The area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of the risk assessment scale was 0.850, and its sensitivity and specificity were 0.762 and 0.801, respectively. There was no significant difference between the ROC curves of cross-validation and risk assessment.

Conclusions

We developed a predictive tool for BSI in patients with cirrhosis, which could help with early identification of such episodes at admission, to improve outcome in these patients.
NLRC5 promotes cell migration and invasion by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in endometrial cancer
Authors: Fan Yijun , Dong Zhen , Shi Yuchuan , Sun Shiying , Wei Bing , Zhan Lei
Published: May 2020

Objective

NOD-like receptor family caspase recruitment domain family domain-containing 5 (NLRC5) is involved in the development of cancer. Our objective was to explore the role of NLRC5 in the progression of endometrial cancer (EC).

Methods

The roles of NLRC5 in migration and invasion of AN3CA EC cells were examined by cell wound-healing assay, Transwell migration, and invasion analysis. Overexpression of NLRC5 was achieved with NLRC5 plasmid, and knockdown of NLRC5 was achieved using small interfering (si)RNA-NLRC5 in AN3CA cells. The expression of NLRC5 was detected by immunohistochemical, western blot, and quantitative real-time PCR. LY294002 was used to inhibit the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway.

Results

NLRC5 was downregulated in EC tissue compared with normal endometrium. Overexpression of NLRC5 led to upregulation of cell migration and invasion in AN3CA cells and expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-9. Inhibition of NLRC5 restricted migration and invasion of AN3CA cells and expression of MMP9. Overexpression of NLRC5 promoted the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Inhibiting PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by using LY294002 blocked the positive role of NLRC5 in migration and invasion of AN3CA cells and expression of MMP9.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that NLRC5 promotes EC progression by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
On pragmatism, assemblage and ANT: Assembling reason
Authors: Bridge Gary
Published: May 2020

In geography the key theoretical registers of assemblage theory and Actor Network Theory have been psychoanalytic-semiotic, materialist and vitalist (emphasising affect). In contrast, this paper indicates the original influence and continued relevance of philosophical pragmatism’s action-oriented approach for assemblage and ANT. It suggests how a pragmatist understanding of human experience, situation and reason offers a different perspective on the nature of emergent and relational space in assemblages and networks. This perspective extends existing pragmatist work in geography to explore the distinctive, hyper-relational spatialities of human activity in a world of acting things, suggesting wider implications for progress in human geography.
The Endangered Inheritance: Conservation through Legislation
Authors: Mann Aditi
Published: May 2020

The present article is based on the field study which was done in one of the districts of capital city Delhi and the state of Haryana with a focus on the study of stone sculptures worshipped by the village communities. There have been several examples where sculptures and other architectural fragments were being deified by the local communities and are revered as tutelary deities. Most of these sculptures once adorned the temples and shrines of ancient or early medieval period. However, in a lot of villages where sculptures were reported earlier were found missing for several reasons. In fact, it was realised that most of the antiquities were later smuggled out of the country. This brought the attention to the harsh reality that there are hundreds and thousands of undiscovered and undocumented sculptures, which make them easy targets. There are many organisations, both state run and private, that have devoted themselves in the task of preserving them.2 Similarly, many historical sites and monuments have been ruined due to the negligence of both natives and the government authorities. Whether in ignorance or in a deliberate attempt, these sculptures are rapidly being targeted and depriving this area of its legacy. This attitude is steadily leading the historical heritage towards its extinction. Thus, how can the historical legacy be protected from the ravages? This brought the discussion to legal reforms, which have been introduced since the British times. This article will trace the journey of specific laws with regard to the conservation of the national heritage; more specifically, sculptures with an emphasis on the role of individuals in the introduction of the laws. It then discusses the legislations that were enacted by the Government of India since independence till the most recent times and, finally, about the relevance and awareness regarding the laws that ensure the conservation of national heritage from further pilferage.
Trade and Urbanisation in Early Medieval Southern Karnataka: As Reflected in the Western Ganga Inscriptions
Authors: Dayma Yogender
Published: May 2020

The present study is an attempt to reconstruct the condition of trade and urbanisation under the Western Gangas (c. fourth to early eleventh century ce), the founders of the first indigenous state in southern Karnataka. Primarily based on the inscriptions issued by them, the study tries to trace the processes leading to the emergence of urban centre under the Western Gangas. It is argued that the Western Ganga rule did not coincide with any phase of decline in trade and commerce, as argued by the proponents of Indian Feudalism model. The state under the Western Gangas contributed to the process of urbanisation in a number of ways. The state restructured the economy of the territories under its control by promoting agrarian expansion, creating new networks of revenue collection and its redistribution. The demand for the goods and services created by the state and its agents, particularly religious establishments, necessitated their movement at intra-regional and inter-regional levels, and thus resulted in the expansion of the already existing centres of exchange as well as the creation of new ones. In other words, the process of urbanisation in the region may be attributed to the processes related to agrarian growth and the emergence of a complex indigenous power structure. The argument has been substantiated with the help of the study of urban centres, namely Perura, Kovalalapura, Manyapura, and Talavanapura.
Racial Ideology or Racial Ignorance? An Alternative Theory of Racial Cognition
Authors: Mueller Jennifer C.
Published: May 2020

Directing attention to racial ignorance as a core dimension of racialized social systems, this article advances a process-focused Theory of Racial Ignorance (TRI), grounded in Critical Race Theory and the philosophical construct white ignorance. TRI embodies five tenets—epistemology of ignorance, ignorance as ends-based technology, corporate white agency, centrality of praxis, and interest convergence. TRI’s tenets explain how racial ignorance reinforces white domination, attending to mechanisms of white knowledge evasion and resistance that facilitate racial reproduction—in everyday life, through institutions, and across societies more broadly. I illustrate TRI’s assets by comparison to an extant theory of racial cognition—color-blind theory (CBT). I argue TRI generates returns by shifting from racial ideology to racial ignorance, and from era-defined structures to ongoing historical processes; and demonstrate TRI’s unique capacity to explain and predict changes in dominant logics, supporting more strategic resistance.
Effects of Morning Versus Evening Home-Based Exercise on Subjective and Objective Sleep Parameters in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Seol Jaehoon , Fujii Yuya , Inoue Taiki , Kitano Naruki , Tsunoda Kenji , Okura Tomohiro
Published: May 2020

Objective:

This study aimed to determine whether the timing of exercise influenced the effects of home-based low-intensity stepping exercises on the sleep parameters of older adults.

Method:

For 8 weeks, 60 healthy older adults participated in a randomized controlled trial, performing low-intensity aerobic exercise (70-80 bpm) for about 30 minutes every day at home, either in the morning (from waking until 12:00) or evening (18:00 to bedtime).

Results:

In the evening exercise group, both subjectively and objectively measured sleep latency significantly improved throughout the intervention. Further, postintervention subjective sleep satisfaction was significantly higher in the evening group (6.2 ± 1.3 points) than in the morning group (5.2 ± 1.4 points; P = .006). Additionally, sleep variables related to evening exercise had larger effect sizes (Cohen d) than those performed in the morning.

Conclusion:

Engaging in low-intensity stepping exercises during the evening is potentially a useful nonpharmacological approach to improving sleep quality among older adults.
Nonlinear robust adaptive control of an airplane with structural damage
Authors: Asadi Davood , Ahmadi Karim
Published: May 2020

This article investigates the design of a novel nonlinear robust adaptive control architecture to stabilize and control an airplane in the presence of left-wing damage. Damage effect is modeled by considering the sudden mass and inertia changes, center of gravity, and aerodynamic variations. The novel nonlinear control algorithm applies a state predictor as well as the error between the real damaged dynamics and a virtual model based on the nominal aircraft dynamics in the control loop of the adaptive strategy. The projection operator is used for the purpose of robustness of the adaptive control algorithm. The stability of the proposed nonlinear robust adaptive controller is demonstrated applying the Lyapunov stability theory. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with two previous successful algorithms, which are implemented on the Generic Transport Model airplane to accommodate wing damage. Numerical simulations demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed robust adaptive algorithm regarding two other algorithms of adaptive sliding mode and L 1 adaptive control.
Research on probabilistic risk assessment of aeroengine rotor failure
Authors: Guo Yuanyuan , Sun Youchao , Li Longbiao
Published: May 2020

The failure of aeroengine rotor will cause a great threat to the flight safety. A new risk assessment model to assess the possibility and severity of failure of aeroengine rotor is presented addressing the problems that its failure samples are not sufficient and that early potential failures are not easy to recognize. The key point of this model is to determine the risk mechanism with diverse failures, failure phase, failure process, historical failure time, and check interval. The risk mechanism is to determine the failure is in the state of relevant failure or not. The failure phases are divided from initial operational state to potential failure and eventually developed to functional failure. The failure process is to confirm possible cascading failure of parts at the same level or of systems. Historical failure time is useful to describe the tendency of failure in the future by Weibull distribution, which is very suitable to depict the rule of mechanical parts failure. Considering check intervals makes the model more complete. These factors to be considered in risk modeling are complete. The relationship has been simulated between failure process and check interval of engine rotor. The risk assessment flowchart of engine rotor has been established after determining failure correlation including nonrelevant failure and relevant failure to another part. The primary failure probability has been predicted through Monte Carlo simulation. In the case of aircraft bursting into flames due to fuel tank breakdown resulted from turbine disk debris, the probability and process model of relevant turbine debris failure have been established through the cartridge receiver, airfoil, fuel tank in sequence. The relevant failure risk of engine part has been evaluated to ensure the safe operation of aeroengine. The aeroengine rotor failure risk model will have great significance in eliminating potential failure and reducing sudden failure.
(Auto)-portrait de l’artiste : Trois chansons de Serge Gainsbourg
Authors: Caldwell Roy Chandler
Published: May 2020

Avant de devenir musicien, Serge Gainsbourg préparait une carrière d’artiste-peintre. Bien que cette première vocation se soit estompée, ses vestiges restent dans la seconde. Le jeune pianiste des bars de Montmartre se cache, ou se métamorphose, derrière une série de pseudonymes. On voit la même jeu d’identité dans les trois chansons de cette étude – « Poupée de cire , poupée de son », « L’Homme à tête de chou », « Ecce homo ». Elles peuvent toutes être lues comme des autoportraits, et comme des impostures. Dans chacune l’auteur-interprète se présente par une figure empruntée dont les éléments représentent une double métaphore : une poupée de cire ou de son ; un homme « moitié mec, moitié légume » ; un homme-dieu qui souffre. « Où et qui suis-je », se pose-t-il la question, en effet, à la fin de chacun de ces textes. Cette étude examinera la mécanique et la thématique de la création gainsbourienne.