bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Silesia – Silentium: Silesian Women in Anna Dziewit-Meller’s Prose
Authors: Krzyżanowska Magdalena
Published: December 2022

This article aims to present the image of the Silesian women emerging from the novels by Anna Dziewit-Meller (Góra Tajget [Mount Taygetus], Od jednego Lucypera [All Because of One Lucifer]). The analysis and interpretation focused on the category of silence inscribed in the studied text allow the author to draw conclusions about the complicated family relationships of women, marked by the twentieth-century history of Upper Silesia. In the article, the author posits a thesis about silence as an immanent trait of Dziewit-Meller’s protagonists, and asks whether they have a chance of breaking out of the circle of traumas passed down in their families.
Convolutional Neural Network-BO Based Feature Extraction and Multi-Layer Neural Network-SR Based Classification for Facial Expression Recognition
Authors: Pandikumar K. , Senthamil Selvan K. , Sowmya B. , Niranjil Kumar A.
Published: December 2022

Facial expression recognition has been more essential in artificial machine intelligence systems in recent years. Recognizing facial expressions automatically has constantly been considered as a challenging task since people significantly vary the way of exhibiting their facial expressions.
Numerous researchers established diverse approaches to analyze the facial expressions automatically but there arise few imprecision issues during facial recognition. To address such shortcomings, our proposed approach recognizes the facial expressions of humans in an effective manner. The
suggested method is divided into three stages: pre-processing, feature extraction, and classification. The inputs are pre-processed at the initial stage and CNN-BO algorithm is used to extract the best feature in the feature extraction step. Then the extracted feature is provided to the classification
stage where MNN-SR algorithm is employed in classifying the face expression as joyful, miserable, normal, annoyance, astonished and frightened. Also, the parameters are tuned effectively to obtain high recognition accuracy. In addition to this, the performances of the proposed approach are
computed by employing three various datasets namely; CMU/VASC, Caltech faces 1999, JAFFE and XM2VTS. The performance of the proposed system is calculated and comparative analysis is made with few other existing approaches and its concluded that the proposed method provides superior
performance with optimal recognition rate.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles (SPIONs) and Reduced Graphene Oxide (RGO) Based Nanocomposites Prepared by Low-Temperature Route and Their Anticancer Properties
Authors: Arshi Nishat , Ahmed Faheem , Kumar Shalendra , Shaalan Nagih M. , Umar Ahmad , Hussain Afzal , Alshahrie Ahmed , Melaibari Ammar
Published: December 2022

In this work, a facile low temperature solution route was reported for the preparation of monodisperse Fe3O4 nanoparticles and their reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based nanocomposites and used as anticancer agents. X-ray diffraction spectroscopy XRD and Raman studies
revealed the high crystalline nature of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles and the presence of characteristic peaks of RGO in Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs showed the morphology of the RGO nanosheets decorated
by Fe3O4 nanoparticles with sizes ranging from 10–15 nm. High resolution (HR)-TEM study revealed the formation of Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites with the interplanar spacing corresponding to the (311) plane of Fe3O4. The anti-cancer
properties of Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites against A549 cells were investigated using MTT, NRU assay, morphology of cells, and ROS generation analyses and compared with the pure Fe3O4 nanoparticles. In comparison between both the pure Fe3O4
and Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites, more damage to the A549 cells resulted from the nanocomposites at a similar concentration of 100 μg/ml. The cell viability test showed that 36% cell viability was observed at a concentration of 100 μg/ml for Fe3O4/RGO
nanocomposites. Additionally, the percentage of ROS generation for Fe3O4/RGO nanocomposites was higher than that of Fe3O4 at a concentration of 100 μg/ml. These results suggested that the as-synthesized nanocomposites might be a potential
candidate for future anticancer agents.
Fabrication and Thermal Stability of Continuous Carbon Fiber Reinforced Alumina Matrix Composites via Sol–Gel Process
Authors: Fan Zhao-yang , Xiong Chao , Yin Jun-hui , Jia Yun-fei , Zou You-chun , Ma Qing-song
Published: December 2022

In this paper, continuous carbon fiber reinforced alumina matrix (C/Al2O3) composites were fabricated through the “sol infiltration-drying-heat treatment” route. In the composites, nano aluminum sol with high solid content was elected as raw material. Similarly, carbon fiber cloth preform with a laminated-stitched structure was chosen for reinforcement. The preparation process and high-temperature failure behavior of the composites under an inert atmosphere were studied emphatically. The results showed that the porosity of C/Al2O3composites prepared by 28 cycles was 16.6%, and the three-point bending strength was 208.5 MPa at room temperature. The fracture toughness of composites was 8.1 MPa · m1/2, which was 102.5% higher than that of alumina ceramic. After 1 h high-temperature test at 1400 °C and 1600 °C under Ar, the strength retention rate of C/Al2O3composites was 84.4% and 73.0%, respectively. SEM indicated the thermal mismatch between matrix and fibers contributed to the reduction in mechanical properties of C/Al2O3composites.
Heat Storage in the Upper Indian Ocean: The Role of Wind-Driven Redistribution
Authors: Duan Jing , Li Yuanlong , Cheng Lijing , Lin Pengfei , Wang Fan
Published: December 2022

The heat content in the Indian Ocean has been increasing owing to anthropogenic greenhouse warming. Yet, where and how the anthropogenic heat is stored in the Indian Ocean have not been comprehended. Analysis of various observational and model-based datasets since the 1950s reveals a robust spatial pattern of the 0–700 m ocean heat content trend (ΔOHC), with enhanced warming in the subtropical southern Indian Ocean (SIO) but weak to minimal warming in the tropical Indian Ocean (TIO). The meridional temperature gradient between the TIO and SIO declined by 16.4% ± 7.5% during 1958–2014. The heat redistribution driven by time-varying surface winds plays a crucial role in shaping this ΔOHC pattern. Sensitivity experiments using a simplified ocean dynamical model suggest that changes in surface winds over the Indian Ocean, particularly those of the SIO, caused a convergence trend in the upper SIO and a divergence trend in the upper TIO. These wind changes primarily include the enhancements of westerlies in the Southern Ocean and the subtropical anticyclone in the SIO. Albeit with systematic biases, the ΔOHC pattern and surface wind changes simulated by phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6) models broadly resemble the observation and highlight the essence of external forcing in causing these changes. This heat storage pattern is projected to persist in the model-projected future, potentially impacting future climate.
Violations of Emergent Norms Regarding COVID-19 Mitigation and Social Hygiene: An Application of Agnew’s General Theory of Crime
Authors: Kabiri Saeed , Sharepour Mahmoud , Howell C. Jordan , Wellen Hadley , Smith Hayden P. , Cochran John K. , Shadmanfaat Seyyedeh Masoomeh (Shamila) , Andersen Tia Stevens
Published: December 2022

This study examines self-reported violations of emergent norms and regulations regarding COVID-19 mitigation and social hygiene practices among a sample of high school students randomly selected from public schools in Rasht, Iran. The study seeks to explain these COVID-19 ordinance violations through the application of Agnew’s general integrated theory of crime. Findings demonstrate that life domains, motivations, and constraints have a direct effect on COVID-19 misbehavior. Moreover, life domains have an indirect effect on COVID-19 misbehavior through both constraints and motivations. Finally, the relationship between motivations and COVID-19 misbehavior is moderated by the peers domain, whereas the relationship between constraints and COVID-19 misbehavior is moderated by the family domain and school domain.
When and How Slow Motion Makes Products More Luxurious
Authors: Jung SungJin , Dubois David
Published: December 2022

This research examines when and how the speed of video ads influences consumers’ perceptions of luxuriousness and their subsequent behaviors toward products or brands featured in the ads. Across 12 experiments (total N = 27,227, five preregistered), the authors demonstrate that when a video ad depicts a product in slow motion (vs. regular speed), consumers perceive the featured product or brand as more luxurious. The effect emerges across various product categories (chocolate, shampoo, mineral water, wine) and in different countries (United States, United Kingdom, France). Tests of mediation and moderation suggest that the effect occurs because viewing a slow-motion ad increases feelings of immersion, which lead consumers to expect greater hedonic value from the featured product and thus view it as more luxurious. Consistent with this account, the effect weakens when video blurriness or buffering impairs the immersive viewing experience afforded by slow motion, and the effect attenuates among consumers who are very weakly or very strongly predisposed to experience immersion. Finally, by enhancing perceptions of luxuriousness, slow motion subsequently boosts consumers’ desire for the featured product or brand (as manifested by higher willingness to pay, purchase intentions, and ad click rates), particularly when the goal to consume luxury is salient (vs. not).
Examining the synergies and tradeoffs of net-zero climate protection with the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Enevoldsen Peter , Baum Chad M. , Low Sean , Sovacool Benjamin K.
Published: December 2022

This article discusses and illuminates the synergies and jeopardies or tradeoffs that exist between the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and net-zero or future climate protection options such as greenhouse gas removal (GGR) technologies and solar radiation management (SRM) deployment approaches, respectively. Through a large-scale expert-interview exercise (N = 125), the study finds firstly that numerous synergies and tradeoffs exist between GGR, SRM, and the SDGs. More specifically, we reveal that GGR deployment could enhance the attainment of 16 of the 17 SDGs, but this comes with possible tradeoffs with 12 of the SDGs. SRM deployment could not only enhance the attainment of 16 of the 17 SDGs, but also create possible tradeoffs with (a different) 12 SDGs. The findings further support the understanding of the complexity of SRM and GGR proposals and help policymakers and industrial pioneers understand, navigate, and benchmark between geoengineering approaches using sustainable development goals.
Syria and Political Cartoons from the Perspective of the Cartoonist Ali Ferzat
Authors: Flores Borjabad Salud Adelaida
Published: December 2022

Political cartoons play an important role in society as an alternative media. This study aimed to explore the democracy in, and politics of, Syria drawing upon political cartoons as a reference The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between media and power in Syria, analyze political cartoons as an alternative voice of the society, and observe their impact on society and politics. We used a qualitative methodology, as well as a visual ethnographic method, for analysis and synthesis. The findings of this study provide insights into the monopolization of media in Syria, where political cartoons portray an alternative reality.
Clinical outcomes of mild versus moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest with antegrade cerebral perfusion in adult aortic arch surgery: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , Zhong Guodong , Lv Xiaochai , Dong Yi , Hou Yanting , Chen Liangwan
Published: December 2022

Objectives

In adult aortic arch surgery, moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest (HCA) with selective antegrade cerebral perfusion (SACP) (MoHACP) is widely used, but the application of mild HCA with SACP (MiHACP) is still controversial. This meta-analysis aimed to compare clinical outcomes using MiHACP or MoHACP.

Methods

Studies comparing outcomes of MiHACP or MoHACP in adult aortic arch surgery were searched from four databases from inception through April 2022. Primary outcomes were postoperative permanent neurological deficit (PND), temporary neurological deficit (TND), and mortality. Secondary outcomes included other common complications. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model in all cases.

Results

Eleven comparative studies were included, with 1555 patients in MiHACP group and 1499 patients in MoHACP group, and the mean HCA temperature were 29.4°C and 24.8°C, respectively. Postoperative PND, TND, mortality, paraplegia, dialysis, tracheotomy, reexploration for bleeding, and chest tube drainage volume were comparable in the two groups ( p > 0.05). Ventilator time, intensive care unit and in-hospital length of stay were shorter in MiHACP group ( p < 0.05). Outcomes were also comparable or had some benefits in MiHACP group when subgroup analyses were conducted according to hemiarch or total arch replacement, unilateral or bilateral SACP, HCA time, emergency aortic dissection surgery, and concomitant procedure.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis showed acceptability of MiHACP in adult aortic arch surgery. Results need to be taken with caution as moderate risk of bias and very low quality of evidence were observed in this meta-analysis. Randomized controlled trials are needed for further analysis.
Single-center experience of temporary-permanent pacemaker use in COVID-19 patients supported with veno-venous ECMO: A case series
Authors: Frederiks Pascal , Bianchi Paolo , Hunnybun Daniel , Behar Jonathan , Garfield Ben , Ledot Stéphane
Published: December 2022

Introduction

In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, nine out of 129 patients (7%) developed life-threatening bradycardia episodes ultimately requiring a TPPM, whilst being supported with VV-ECMO for severe COVID-19 ARDS in our tertiary cardio-pulmonary failure center.

Analysis

All subjects had asystole due to sinus node dysfunction and experienced at least one episode involving cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Most bradycardic events were seen in the context of vagal hypersensitivity. Mean time from general ICU admission to TPPM insertion was 20.6 ± 8.9 days. One patient developed a large chest wall hematoma weeks after TPPM implantation, no other TPPM-related issues were observed. No patient required a long-term pacing system. Six-months survival rate was high (89%).

Conclusion

These findings suggested that transient life-threatening sinus node disease is not uncommon in ECMO-dependent COVID-19 ARDS patients. TPPM with an active fixation lead is sometimes needed to facilitate ongoing ICU care, however, long-term permanent pacing was not required.
Healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers and facilitators of implementing clinical practice guidelines for stroke rehabilitation: A systematic review
Authors: Cormican Adrienne , Hirani Shashivadan P , McKeown Eamonn
Published: December 2022

Objective

To identify healthcare professionals’ perceived barriers and facilitators to clinical practice guideline implementation within stroke rehabilitation.

Data sources

CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, Cochrane library, Academic Search Complete and Scopus. Additional papers were identified through hand searching.

Review methods

The review followed the Preferred Reporting Item for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols systematic review approach. Any empirical research that provided qualitative data on healthcare professionals’ perceived factors influencing clinical guideline implementation in stroke rehabilitation was included. One reviewer screened all titles and abstract reviews ( n = 669). Another two reviewers independently screened 30% of title and abstract reviews, followed by full-text reviews ( n = 61). Study quality was assessed using the mixed-method appraisal tool.

Results

Data from 10 qualitative, six quantitative and six mixed-method studies published between 2000 and 2022, involving 1576 participants in total, were analysed and synthesised using modified thematic synthesis approach. The majority of participants were therapists n = 1297 (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists). Organisational factors (time constraints, resources) alongside healthcare professionals’ lack of knowledge and skills were the most cited barriers to guideline implementation. Contradictory attitudes and beliefs towards stroke guidelines applicability to real-life clinical practice and their evidence base were reported. Organisational support in the form of training, local protocols, performance monitoring and leadership were reported as perceived facilitators.

Conclusion

Barriers and facilitators are multifactorial and were identified at guideline, individual, team and organisational levels. There is a need to translate perceived barriers and facilitators into implementation interventions especially addressing organisational-level barriers.
Palliative and end-of-life care needs, experiences, and preferences of LGBTQ+ individuals with serious illness: A systematic mixed-methods review
Authors: Rosa William E , Roberts Kailey E , Braybrook Debbie , Harding Richard , Godwin Kendra , Mahoney Cassidy , Mathew Shiyon , Atkinson Thomas M , Banerjee Smita C , Haviland Kelly , Hughes Tonda L , Walters Chasity B , Parker Patricia A
Published: December 2022

Background:

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals experience discrimination throughout the care continuum, including during serious illness and at end of life. High-quality palliative care requires that health professionals deliver individualized services that reflect the needs, experiences, and preferences of LGBTQ+ persons.

Aim:

To identify and appraise existing evidence related to the needs, experiences, and preferences for palliative and end of life care among LGBTQ+ individuals with serious illness.

Design:

Data-based convergent synthesis design reported per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

Data sources:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus from January 1, 2010 to November 6, 2020.

Results:

Of 4875 results captured, 69 articles underwent full-text review and 13 were retained for analysis. Most studies were from North America with trans individuals represented in 10 of 13 studies. Needs ( n = 6) included increased social support, institutional safety, economic and legal supports, and advocacy to mitigate health barriers.Experiences ( n = 12) were driven by fear and worry associated with discrimination/stigma,providers’ hetero-/cisnormative assumptions, homophobia and transphobia, social isolation, and an undignified death. Preferences ( n = 6) pertained to inclusion of chosen families in decision-making, disclosure of LGBTQ+ identity based on safety of the clinical environment, and a desire to maintain autonomy.

Conclusions:

The robustness of the science has improved regarding the needs, experiences, and preferences of trans individuals. Actionable, inclusive policies coupled with sustained and integrated cultural sensitivity training for health workers are mandatory. Interventional research is critical to enhance tailored palliative care for LGBTQ+ people and their chosen families.
Motivations and experiences of patients with advanced cancer participating in Phase 1 clinical trials: A qualitative study
Authors: Yang Grace Meijuan , Ong Wah Ying , Tan Jasmine , Ding Jiayan , Ho Shirlynn , Tan Daniel , Neo Patricia
Published: December 2022

Background:

Persons with advanced cancer may participate in Phase 1 clinical trials – first-in-human trials that are conducted with the main objectives of safety and dosing. The motivations for participation are not well understood and may include hope for cure.

Aim:

To explore the perspectives of persons with advanced cancer in order to understand the motivations for participating in Phase 1 clinical trials, experiences while being on trial and views on palliative care provision.

Design:

Qualitative study with a constructivist stance, using thematic analysis based upon the grounded theory approach.

Setting/participants:

20 persons with advanced cancer who were participating in a Phase 1 clinical trial.

Results:

Many participants described how Phase 1 clinical trial participation was their last hope, as they were cognisant of their advanced disease. Information-seeking needs differed – some needed comprehensive information while others relied on the doctor’s recommendation. Participants experienced varied negative and positive physical and psycho-emotional concerns, and needed to draw on multiple sources of support such as family, friends and healthcare professionals. Some could list potential benefits of palliative care but felt they did not require it yet. The overarching theme was hope and positive thinking as a way of coping.

Conclusions:

The concepts of hope as a way of coping and the supportive presence of healthcare professionals could be weaved into a future model of palliative care to improve the illness journey for patients considering Phase 1 clinical trial participation and other persons with advanced cancer.
The freedom dilemma: Milton's (and Adam's) inability to reconcile reason and authority
Authors: Woodford Benjamin
Published: December 2022

Much scholarship on the separation scene in Paradise Lost focuses on whether or not Adam could have acted differently to prevent Eve from working alone. The separation scene, however, is impossible to resolve. Through this scene, Milton traces the origin of his own struggle to reconcile the principles of political freedom. In Brief Notes upon a late Sermon, Milton faces the reality that his own principles cannot be reconciled. The separation scene places Adam in a similar situation, as he struggles to reconcile Raphael's conflicting advice regarding following God's will. Milton's and Adam's failures raise questions regarding the possibility of human freedom.
Predicting roles of IL-27 and IL-32 in determining the severity and outcome of COVID-19
Authors: Zamani Batool , Najafizadeh Maedeh , Motedayyen Hossein , Arefnezhad Reza
Published: December 2022

Objective

Immune changes play fundamental roles in the pathogenesis and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Previous studies have revealed alterations in immune responses of patients with non-severe and severe COVID-19. Therefore, this study investigated whether interleukin-27 (IL-27) and interleukin-32 (IL-32) levels may be considered as predicting factors for determining the severity and outcome of COVID-19.

Methods

The blood samples were collected from 50 non-severe and severe patients infected with COVID-19 and 25 healthy subjects. The serum samples were isolated from the whole blood. The levels of IL-27 and IL-32 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and percentages of some immune cells were studied by cell counter.

Results

The levels of IL-27 and IL-32 were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than healthy subjects ( p < 0.0001–0.01). IL-27 was significantly reduced in severe COVID-19 patients who needed to undergo ICU therapy ( p < 0.05). Disease severity was significantly associated with IL-27 level in patients with COVID-19 ( p < 0.05), unlike IL-32 level. There was a significant association between IL-27 and IL-32 in participants ( p < 0.0001, odds ratio (OR) = 0.9873; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.9998 to 1.000; p < 0.05, OR = 0.4462; 95% CI = 0.08,579 to 0.7802; p < 0.01, OR = 0.6640, 95% CI = 0.3007–0.8590). IL-27 level was significantly higher in the recovered subjects than dead cases ( p < 0.0001). IL-27 and IL-32 levels in patients who had fever were significantly higher than those who did not have ( p < 0.01–0.05), unlike patients who suffered from cough ( p < 0.001–0.01). The IL-27 level in patients with non-severe COVID-19 was directly correlated with CRP value ( p < 0.05, OR = 0.5,722,357, 95% CI = 0.06,807,176–0.8,435,928). IL-27 and IL-32 levels in non-severe patients were positively associated with NLR ( p < 0.01, OR = 0.7292; 95% CI = 0.2809 to 0.9163; p < 0.01, OR = 0.6537, 95% CI = 0.1425–0.8896). Patients with severe COVID-19 had a significant increase in NLR ( p < 0.0001–0.05). NLR was significantly correlated with the disease severity ( p < 0.0001–0.05). Survivors had a significant reduction in NLR compared with those who succumbed to COVID-19 ( p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Change in IL-27 level along with the frequencies of some immune cells may serve as a predictor of the severity and outcome of COVID-19.
Conjuring-Up a Bad Guy: The Academy’s Straw-Manning of Milton Friedman’s Perspective of Corporate Social Responsibility and its Consequences
Authors: Muldoon Jeff , Gould Anthony M. , Yonai Derek K.
Published: December 2022

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the idea that business stewards have a broader range of societal obligations than maximizing shareholder value, is a mainstream theme in contemporary management research, education, and practice. Carroll points to one of its controversial aspects when he describes a clash between management scholars (who are generally pro-CSR) and their neoclassical economic contrarians. This has become an increasingly one-sided conflict with the pro-CSR side prevailing in both business and academia. CSR proponents have generally viewed Milton Friedman as an opponent of CSR. However, we argue that Friedman’s purported opposition to CSR is something of a caricature. We reveal that Friedman was concerned that his advocacy for free market operation would promote pro-social outcomes. Indeed, through his emphasis on creating value for consumers, being good stewards of scarce resources, and avoiding rent-seeking’s inefficiencies, Friedman has more in common with CSR proponents than is sometimes acknowledged.
Epistemic bandwagons, speculation, and turnkeys: Some lessons from the tale of the urban ‘underclass’
Authors: Wacquant Loïc
Published: December 2022

Drawing on the Begriffsgeschichte of Reinhart Koselleck and the reflexive sociology of Pierre Bourdieu, my book The Invention of the ‘Underclass’ draws a microhistory of the birth, diffusion, and demise of this racialized folk devil at the intersection of the academic field, the journalistic field, and the politics-policy-philanthropic field. This history illuminates the politics of knowledge about dispossessed and dishonored categories in the metropolis and suggests three notions that can help researchers parse the use and abuse of other social science constructs and thus practice better conceptual hygiene: lemming effects (illustrated by the wild rush to deploy ‘diaspora’), conceptual speculative bubble (as with ‘racial capitalism’), and turnkey problematics (such as the ‘resilient city’ and the ‘creative city’). I discuss the factors that foster the development of epistemic bandwagons, speculation, and turnkeys, and specify the criteria that make for a robust concept in terms of semantics (clarity and neutrality), logics (coherence and type-specificity), and heuristics (empirical adequacy and theoretical productivity).
Advancing Educational Research on Children’s Self-Regulation With Observational Measures
Authors: Eberhart Janina , Koepp Andrew E. , Howard Steven J. , Kok Rianne , McCoy Dana C. , Baker Sara T.
Published: December 2022

Self-regulation is crucial for children’s development and learning. Almost by convention, it is assumed that self-regulation is a relatively stable skill, and little is known about its dynamic nature and context dependency. Traditional measurement approaches such as single direct assessments and adult reports are not well suited to address questions around variations of self-regulation within individuals and influences from social-contextual factors. Measures relying on child observations are uniquely positioned to address these questions and to advance the field by shedding light on self-regulatory variability and incremental growth. In this paper, we review traditional measurement approaches (direct assessments and adult reports) and recently developed observational measures. We discuss which questions observational measures are best suited to address and why traditional measurement approaches fall short. Finally, we share lessons learned based on our experiences using child observations in educational settings and discuss how measurement approaches should be carefully aligned to the research questions.
The role and intensity of export tariffs in trade policy: Scandinavia, 1780–1870
Authors: Häggqvist Henric
Published: December 2022

Export taxation holds a particular place within trade policy, especially so during the mercantilist era. While governments tried to ensure consistent export surpluses, they would at the same time put tariffs on those goods, possibly impeding export growth. This article quantifies export duties in Denmark and Sweden during close to a century, to analyze which intensity they had over time and which role they played within trade policy. The article finds that these taxes were at times rather high, particularly on raw materials partly reserved for domestic use or refinement. The fiscal dimension of export taxation clearly played an important role as well, as revenue needs often delayed the removal of tariffs. One conclusion is that the regulation of exports presents an interesting case of political conflict, between promoting growth and filling state coffers.
The Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda: Use of a novel biological indicator and historical photographs for measuring local sea-level rise
Authors: Rouja Philippe M. , Schneider Craig W. , Rissolo Dominique , Blasco Steve M. , Petrovic Vid , Lo Eric , Lightbourne Mandellas A. , Tucker Wendy S. , Kuester Falko
Published: December 2022

The authors explore a novel interdisciplinary approach to researching, collecting and communicating local site-specific data on recent sea-level rise using persistent black-zone biotic levels evident on historical coastal stone structures by a stable community of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) at the Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. Photographs taken at the Dockyard in 1870, 2007 and 2017 show an upward shift in this living cyanobacterial community. A spatio-temporal digital twin computed from historical and contemporary photo assets was created to test the viability of these black-zone lines as a proxy for sea-level-rise measurements in Bermuda. Black-zone cyanobacteria are highly sensitive to sea-level rise and, over long timescales, comparative imagery of black zones could present a proper indicator of average sea-level rise.
Proposing a New Combined Indicator for Measuring Search Engine Performance and Evaluating Google, Yahoo, DuckDuckGo, and Bing Search Engines based on Combined Indicator
Authors: Hajian Hoseinabadi Azadeh , CheshmehSohrabi Mehrdad
Published: December 2022

This study has developed a combined indicator to evaluate the performance of different search engines. Documentary analysis, survey, and evaluative methods are employed in the present study. The research was conducted in two stages. First, a combined indicator was designed to measure search engines. To this end, 72 criteria for measuring the performance of search engines were identified, out of which 22 criteria were selected. Accordingly, 10 criteria were selected in six general classes through a survey of subject matter experts. Validation of our proposed combined indicator was obtained by Delphi method and using the opinions of experts in the fields of information science and information system. Second, web search engines were evaluated based on the proposed combined indicator. The statistical population of this part of the research consisted of two categories: (1) general web search engines, and (2) general subjects. The sample size of the first category contained four search engines Yahoo, Google, DuckDuckGo, and Bing, and the second category involved 40 search terms under 10 general categories. The results showed that the combined indicator had six general criteria: (1) relevance, (2) ranking, (3) novelty ratio, (4) coverage ratio, (5) ratio of unrelated documents, and (6) proportion of duplication hits. According to this indicator, Google is at the top, followed by Bing. This study proposes a new indicator for evaluating search engine performance, which can measure the efficiency of search engines. Therefore, its use to measure the performance of search engines is recommended to researchers and search engine developers.
Variance estimation for the average treatment effects on the treated and on the controls
Authors: Matsouaka Roland A , Liu Yi , Zhou Yunji
Published: December 2022

Common causal estimands include the average treatment effect, the average treatment effect of the treated, and the average treatment effect on the controls. Using augmented inverse probability weighting methods, parametric models are judiciously leveraged to yield doubly robust estimators, that is, estimators that are consistent when at least one the parametric models is correctly specified. Three sources of uncertainty are associated when we evaluate these estimators and their variances, that is, when we estimate the treatment and outcome regression models as well as the desired treatment effect. In this article, we propose methods to calculate the variance of the normalized, doubly robust average treatment effect of the treated and average treatment effect on the controls estimators and investigate their finite sample properties. We consider both the asymptotic sandwich variance estimation, the standard bootstrap as well as two wild bootstrap methods. For the asymptotic approximations, we incorporate the aforementioned uncertainties via estimating equations. Moreover, unlike the standard bootstrap procedures, the proposed wild bootstrap methods use perturbations of the influence functions of the estimators through independently distributed random variables. We conduct an extensive simulation study where we vary the heterogeneity of the treatment effect as well as the proportion of participants assigned to the active treatment group. We illustrate the methods using an observational study of critical ill patients on the use of right heart catherization.
Pulmonary hamartoma in an elk calf
Authors: Boggiatto Paola M. , Olsen Steven C. , Palmer Mitchell V.
Published: December 2022

Hamartomas are benign tumor-like lesions composed of disorganized growth of mature mesenchymal or epithelial tissues indigenous to the organ involved. Sporadically observed in ruminants, vascular, fibrous, nasal, and pulmonary hamartomas have been reported in calves; pulmonary and cutaneous forms have been reported in sheep. A full-term elk calf found dead had a large intrathoracic mass replacing the left caudal lung lobe and compressing other thoracic organs. Histologically, cross- and tangential sections of bronchi were separated by collagenous mesenchyme and irregularly shaped canaliculi and saccules resembling terminal bronchioles. Rarely present were regions in which saccules, lined by simple cuboidal epithelium, transitioned into attenuated epithelium lining fully developed alveoli. These findings are consistent with a pulmonary hamartoma. To our knowledge, pulmonary hamartoma has not been reported previously in a non-domestic ruminant.
Efficacy and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan Compared With ACEI/ARB on Health-Related Quality of Life in Heart Failure Patients: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yang Hua-rong , Xu Xiao-di , Shaikh Abdul Sami , Zhou Bo-ting
Published: December 2022

Background:

Data on the effects of sacubitril/valsartan compared with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers (ACEI/ARB) on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) are limited.

Objective:

To evaluate the comparative effects between sacubitril/valsartan and ACEI/ARB on HRQoL, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed.

Methods:

PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and ClinicalTrials.gov were searched from inception to March 2, 2022 for randomized controlled trials that compared the HRQoL scores, including Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ), or Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form Health Survey 12 or 36 (SF-12/36), between sacubitril/valsartan and ACEI/ARB. After screening, studies that met the inclusion criteria were eventually included and analyzed.

Results:

A total of 8 studies with 17 390 patients (8693 patients used sacubitril/valsartan, and 8697 patients used ACEI/ARB) were included in this study. Five of these studies used KCCQ, 1 used SF-12/36, 1 used MLHFQ, and 1 used both KCCQ and SF-12/36. The KCCQ overall summary score and its subscales were significantly higher in sacubitril/valsartan compared with ACEI/ARB in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, but were similar in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction. Sacubitril/valsartan conferred similar HRQoL scores in MLHFQ and SF-12/36 to ACEI/ARB. The most frequently reported adverse event for sacubitril/valsartan is hypotension and the risk is higher than for ACEI/ARB.

Conclusions:

Sacubitril/valsartan may have the potential to improve HRQoL in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction compared with ACEI/ARB. Hypotension is the most common adverse event with sacubitril/valsartan compared with ACEI/ARB. The results of this study may contribute to the rational use of sacubitril/valsartan.
Pagetoid Squamous Intraepithelial Neoplasia of the Vulva as a Mimicker of Vulvar Extramammary Paget Disease: Two Cases with Basal Layer Sparing
Authors: Wong Jahg , Pina Annick , Mayrand Marie-Hélène , Rahimi Kurosh
Published: December 2022

Human papillomavirus-associated vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia [HSIL] or VIN of usual type) is a lesion characterized by atypia extending from the basal layer to the upper epidermis. There are only rare reports of vulvar intraepithelial morphology exhibiting a pagetoid pattern of intraepithelial dissemination. We herein report two cases of vulvar HSIL in which a pagetoid pattern of spread and a largely uninvolved basal layer represented a diagnostic pitfall for extramammary Paget disease. Nuclear atypia reminiscent of HSIL in addition to expression of p16, KRT5/6, and p40 were however in favor of pagetoid HSIL. Although there is morphological and immunohistochemical overlap between these two entities, an accurate diagnosis is important, since an erroneous diagnosis of vulvar extramammary Paget disease may lead to an extensive workup comprising radiological imaging, colonoscopy, and cystoscopy.
Biphenotypic Immunohistochemical Features and NTRK1 Amplification in Intermediate Cell Carcinoma of the Liver
Authors: Radhakrishnan Subathra , Martin Catherine Ann , Vij Mukul , Raju Lexmi Priya , Gowripriya G , Jana Koustav , Rammohan Ashwin , Jothimani Dinesh , Kaliamoorthy Ilankumaran , Veldore Vidya Harini , Rela Mohamed
Published: December 2022

Intermediate cell carcinoma is one of the rarest forms of primary liver cancer comprising relatively monomorphic populations of neoplastic epithelial cells demonstrating simultaneous positivity of both hepatocyte and cholangiocyte immunohistochemical markers. Here in, we describe an adult male patient who underwent left hepatectomy for a large liver tumor. The pathological and immunohistochemical analysis revealed the malignant primary liver cancer with intermediate cell morphology and mixed immunophenotypic features consistent with intermediate cell carcinoma. Furthermore, the genomic profiling using the Next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform demonstrated that there is a novel amplification with copy number gain 12 (12 gene copies) in the Neurotrophic Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 1 ( NTRK1) gene, being an oncogenic driver of intermediate cell carcinoma. This is the first case report with the amplification in NTRK1 and emphasizes the importance of molecular oncology.
A Rare Case of Breast fat-Forming Solitary Fibrous Tumor With Molecular Confirmation
Authors: Liu Yufei , Zhang Mingjie , Wang Daizhong , Cao Chunyu , Yao Zhi , Pan Junlong
Published: December 2022

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is an uncommon fibroblastic neoplasm which may arise in a wide range of anatomic location and can occur across all ages. Fat-forming SFT is a rare morphological variant of SFT. Primary breast fat-forming SFT is exquisitely rare. Here, we report a case in a 51-year-old Chinese woman with a palpable painless mass in the left breast. A color Doppler ultrasound scan examination demonstrated a 3.4-cm oval, well-circumscribed, hypoechoic solid mass with several peripheral and internal color flow signals. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a focal lobulated solid nodular lesion displaying geographical enhancement but no architectural distortion. Subsequently, she underwent a left breast lumpectomy. In histopathologic examination, there was a well-circumscribed, cellular spindle cell tumor consisting of short fascicles of bland, fusiform, ovoid to spindle cells disposed in a patternless architecture around branching vascular spaces within a fibrous stroma with wispy collagen. Cells revealed mild nuclear atypia. Mitotic figures were up to 4/10 high-power fields (HPFs) in the hot spot. Mature adipocytes intermixed with spindle cells were also observed. The tumor cells were diffusely positive for CD34 and STAT6. Some S100-expressing adipocytes co-expressed STAT6. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed the presence of the NAB2exon6::STAT6exon2 fusion. The histological, immunohistochemical (IHC) and molecular examinations confirmed the diagnosis of fat-forming SFT. Post-excision, the patient showed no signs of tumor recurrence or metastasis in a 7-month follow-up. Here, we describe a rare case of a fat-forming SFT involving the breast and highlight the comprehensive pathological evaluation and necessary ancillary testing.
Pneumonitis associated with bortezomib in a patient with multiple myeloma
Authors: Kars Taha Ulutan , Yaşkıran Osman , Çeneli Özcan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Bortezomib, which is widely used in the treatment of multiple myeloma (MM), is a proteasome inhibitor and acts by inducing apoptosis. Bortezomib has many side effects, mainly hematological, neurological, and gastrointestinal. A few cases of bortezomib-induced pneumonitis (BIP) have been reported in the literature.

Case Report

A 51-year-old male patient who was newly diagnosed with MM received bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone as first-line therapy. In the first cycle, the patient developed dyspnea, tachypnea, and hypoxia after the fourth day of administration of bortezomib monotherapy according to the treatment protocol.

Management and outcome

Infection and pulmonary involvement of MM were excluded after radiological evaluations, and a diagnosis of BIP was made. Clinical control was achieved quickly with steroid therapy and oxygen support, and radiological findings improved with treatment. Due to this rare side effect of bortezomib, the treatment regimen containing bortezomib was changed. The patient is still receiving treatment that does not contain bortezomib and does not have any pulmonary problems.

Discussion

In cancer patients receiving treatment, infection and metastasis should be quickly ruled out when pulmonary problems occur, and drug-induced pneumonitis should be considered. This diagnosis, which often responds dramatically to steroids, has the potential to have serious consequences when not considered. In this case, we present bortezomib-associated pneumonitis, a rare side effect of bortezomib. The most important feature of this case is the development of this side effect at the beginning of the treatment, unlike other cases reported in the literature.
Agreement between a new swept-source ocular coherence tomography and a Placido disc-dual Scheimpflug ocular biometric devices
Authors: McLintock Cameron , Niyazmand Hamed , Seo Shiney , Barrett Graham , Kumar Nilagiri Vinay , Karimian Sahar , McKelvie James
Published: December 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the agreement between two biometry devices, the Heidelberg Anterion and the Galilei G6 Lens Professional.

Methods

Eyes were scanned with both biometry devices. Analysis of inter-device agreement was conducted for the following metrics: flat (K1), steep (K2) and mean K (Km) for anterior, posterior and total cornea, lens thickness (LT), central corneal thickness (CCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), white to white (WTW) and axial length (AL). Generalised Estimating Equations were used to account for inter-eye correlation. Bland-Altman analysis was conducted to derive the mean difference (MD) and limits of agreement (LoA) between devices. Differences were deemed clinically significant if they would result in a change in post-operative refraction of 0.25D or more.

Results

159 eyes of 91 patients were included. For the anterior cornea, no significant MD was found for K1 (−0.11D) and K2 (−0.10D), although a significant MD was found for Km (−0.10D). For posterior cornea, while there were no significant MDs between devices, the LoAs were wide for both posterior K1(−0.70, 0.68) and posterior K2 (−1.01, 1.29). For total corneal power, significant MDs were found in K1 (0.36D), and Km (0.26D) but not for K2 (0.17D). Significant MDs were found for LT (0.179mm), CCT (−0.005mm), ACD (−0.111mm) and WTW (−0.158mm), but not for AL (−0.021mm, p > 0.05). Conclusion: There are statistically but not clinically significant differences between Anterion and Galilei G6 Lens Professional in anterior Km, LT, CCT, ACD and WTW. Measurements of the posterior and total cornea are not interchangeable between devices.
Aberrant expression of miR-138 as a novel diagnostic biomarker in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Bayati Paria , Poormoghim Hadi , Mojtabavi Nazanin
Published: December 2022

Background:

MicroRNAs are short nucleotide sequences that contribute to the regulation of various biological functions and therefore their roles have been investigated in many pathologic conditions such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer and fibrosis; among them, miR-138 has been mostly studied in cancer biology and is well-known for its suppressing effect on cancer progression. Being able to suppress major pathways involved in EMT, miR-138 could be a good candidate to be investigated in fibrotic responses too. Based on our previous studies, and the capability of miR-138 to target and regulate several components of the EMT pathway; we hypothesized a role for miR-138 in systemic sclerosis. Accordingly, the gene expression of miR-138 was assessed to find any alterations in the whole blood of the SSc patients.

Methods:

Blood was collected from 70 patients with systemic sclerosis (equally divided between 2 groups of limited and diffuse categories) and 30 healthy individuals as controls. RNA was immediately isolated from the fresh whole blood; afterward, the resulting RNA was reverse transcribed into cDNA and then the relative expression of miR-138 was compared between the patients and the controls by the means of qPCR, and specific TaqMan primer and probes.

Results:

The relative expression of miR-138 was significantly lower in patients with systemic sclerosis compared to the controls. No significant difference was observed between the limited and diffuse patient groups. ROC curve analysis showed an appropriate diagnostic value of miR-138 in effectively differentiating SSc patients from the healthy controls.

Conclusion:

miR-138 is likely involved in the pathogenesis of SSc and with further evaluations may be utilized as a diagnostic biomarker in SSc. Also, targeting miR-138 in future studies could be promising for finding a novel treatment option for patients with SSc.