bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redescription and Molecular Characterization of Trichotylenchus dispersus (Nematoda: Dolichodoridae) in China
Authors: CHEN YAN , HAN YU-CHUN , WANG HUI-ZHONG , XIE HUI , XU CHUN-LING
Published: February 2023

A species of Trichotylenchus nematode was isolated from the rhizosphere of banana root in Leizhou City, Guangdong Province, China. The species assumes the following characteristics: open C-shaped body; head offset from body; lateral field with three incisures, pharyngeal and tail regions irregularly areolated; stylet 18.6–20.7 µm long; pharyngeal gland not extending over intestine; fibrous tissue present in the intestine; post-anal intestinal sac present; elongate-subcylindroid tail, bluntly conoid terminus, lack of striations, and containing 34–44 annuli. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to elucidate some morphological details, but only some juveniles were observed. Partial 18S rRNA, ITS, and 28S D2–D3 expansion sequences were amplified with universal primers and deposited in GenBank under accession numbers ON622716, ON622717, and ON622714, respectively. Here, this species was identified as T. dispersus [(Siddiqi & Sharma, 1995) Geraert, 2011].
Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Enhance the In Vitro Activities of Endometrial Cells via Strengthening the Phosphorylation and Activation of Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)
Authors: Zeng Qingyuan , Zhu Qiao , Wen Shu , Wang Mingyi , Lv Yumei
Published: February 2023

Mancozeb (ethylene bis-dithiocarbamate) is an organometallic fungicide and is widely used in agriculture and is related to women’s spontaneous abortion and menstrual abnormalities. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) can impede endometrial fibrosis via suppressing PI3K
pathway, but its effect on the activity of endometrial cells induced by mancozeb/EDU is unclear. This study intends to explore the protective effects of co-culture with BMSCs on endometrial cells after mancozeb/EDU treatment. Endometrial cells were randomized into control group, mancozeb/EDU
group (mancozeb/EDU treatment), BMSCs group (cells were co-cultured with BMSCs after mancozeb/EDU treatment), and inhibitor group (treated with PI3K-Akt-mTOR inhibitor) followed by analysis of the expression of PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway-related proteins, cell viability by MTT and cell invasion
and migration by Transwell and scratch test. Mancozeb/EDU treatment significantly inhibited PI3K-Akt-mTOR signals and cell proliferation, increased apoptosis and decreased cell invasion and migration, which were all reversed by co-culture with BMSCs. Additionally, the co-culture with BMSCs
modulated the In Vitro viability of endometrial cells by influencing PI3K-Akt-mTOR signal transduction pathway, which can be inverted by PI3K-Akt-mTOR pathway-specific antagonists. In conclusion, BMSCs exerted a protective effect on the In Vitro viability of endometrial cells
by manipulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signal transduction, which helped to protect endometrial cells from damage caused by mancozeb/ETU treatment.
miR-141-Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Inhibits the Progression of Severe Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Su Wei , Wu Yinshan , Zheng Huijun , Guo Xiuliu , Feng Binbin , Guo Feng
Published: February 2023

The therapeutic effects of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) on severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) and miRNAs are currently the research hotspots. This study intends to explore the potential impact of miR-141-modified BMSCs on SAP. After establishment of rat model of SAP, the
animals were grouped into control group, model group, BMSCs group, miR-141 group, positive control group, and PI3K/mTOR signaling agonist group (agonist group) followed by analysis of miR-141 expression by RT-qPCR and the expression of serum amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, TAP, PI3K, mTOR,
and LC3-II by Western blot and ELISA. miR-141 was significantly up-regulated in the miR-141-modified BMSCs group (p > 0.05). The contents of serum amylase, IL-6, TNF-α, and TAP was increased in SAP rats and decreased after BMSC treatment (p > 0.05). The increased
autophagy flux in the rats with SAT was reduced upon treatment with BMSCs and autophagy flux was decreased in miR-141 group but increased in positive control group. The model and positive control group presented highest expression of LC3-II, p-PI3K and p-mTOR, followed by BMSCs group and miR-141
group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, miR-141-modified BMSCs decrease the phosphorylation of PI3K and mTOR to inhibit PI3K/mTOR signaling activity and downregulate LC3-II protein to inhibit autophagy, thereby ameliorating the development of SAP, indicating that miR-141 might be a therapeutic
target for SAP.
miR-21 Inhibits Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Proliferation and Promotes Apoptosis
Authors: Zhang Yi , Hu Yiming , Guo Fen
Published: February 2023

This study assesses miR-21’s role in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. miR-21/PTEN RNA level in normal and NSCLC cell (A549) was detected by qPCR. After transfection of miR-21 and inhibitors, cell proliferation was assessed by MTT. PTEN, NF-κB, p53, BCL2,
BAX levels were measured after si-PTEN transfection. miR-21 was significantly lower and PTEN was higher in NSCLC cells than normal cells (P <0.001) and PTEN was negatively associated with miR-21. MTT assay showed that cell survival rate was decreased after miR-21 was inhibited and
increased after miR-21 was overexpressed. After inhibiting PTEN, protein expression of proliferation-related factors NF-κB and p53 was decreased. TUNEL experiment showed elevated cell apoptosis after miR-21 was inhibited and decreased apoptosis after miR-21 was overexpressed.
Inhibition of PTEN modulated Akt signaling as demonstrated by no changes of Akt expression and decreased p-Akt level along with downregulated BCL2 and BAX. In conclusion, miR-21/PTEN inhibits NSCLC cell proliferation and promotes cell apoptosis.
In silico Identification of Potential Human Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors from the Nigella sativa Phytochemicals
Authors: Mohammed Ali Hani
Published: February 2023

Acetylcholinesterase degrades the neurotransmitter acetylcholine in nervous system synapses to regulate neurotransmission. It has been demonstrated to be effective as a therapeutic target as well as a target for Alzheimer’s disease drugs. Primary phytoconstituents components of
Nigella sativa were identified in this study based on their affinity for an active site binding of Human Acetylcholinesterase. Molecular dynamics and molecular docking methods were used to test the stability of the topmost docking complex. Out of the nine phytochemicals studied in this
study, three molecules, Dithymoquinone, Nigellicine, and Nigellidine, were found to have a significant docking score. Based on our findings, Dithymoquinone is the most potent inhibitor of Human Acetylcholinesterase. It is the least energetic protein (10.1 Kcal/mol), resulting in the highest
binding affinity. Molecular dynamics studies confirmed the stability of the Dithymoquinone-Human Acetylcholinesterase complex.
Effects of Toll-Like Receptor4 Gene Modified Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BMSCs) Transplantation on Expression of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor (bFGF) and Follistatin-Like-1 (FSTL1) in Myocardial Ischemia-Reperfusion Rats
Authors: Zhou Min , Chai Xiaoli , Liu Xiulan , Li Manli
Published: February 2023

This study assesses the effects of TLR4 gene modified BMSCs transplantation on the expression of bFGF and FSTL1 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion rats. 30 male SD rats were assigned into control group (myocardial ischemia model), BMSCs group (model + BMSCs transplantation) and transfection
group (model + TLR4 gene modified BMSCs transplantation) followed by analysis of TLR4 expression, EGFP, apoptosis and expression of bFGF and FSTL1. Compared with control group (TLR4 concentration 2.86 pg/5×105 cells/mL). The expression of TLR4 in BMSCs group (25.24 pg/5×105
cells/mL) and transfection group (31.55 pg/5×105 cells/mL) was significantly increased (P <0.05), and it was more significant in transfection group. The myocardial tissue of rats in control group produced a large number of scars, hypertrophy and hyperplasia of myocardial
cells accompanied by a large number of necrosis; The scar tissue of the myocardium in BMSCs group and transfection group decreased, and viable myocardium increased, with more significant effect in transfection group. Control group showed a large number of blue collagen fibers in the infarction
area of left ventricle, which were in the shape of cords, and part of the collagen fibers were fused. The blue collagen fibers in the control group and the transfection group were significantly reduced. Compared with control group, BMSCs group had lower apoptosis, and increased bFGF and FSTL1
levels (P <0.05). Compared with BMSCs group, the apoptosis rate of myocardial cells was decreased, and the levels of bFGF and FSTL1 were increased (P < 0.05). In conclusion, transplantation of BMSCs modified with TLR4 can increase bFGF and FSTL1 levels, reduce the rate
of myocardial apoptosis and improve the myocardial pathological tissue, thus playing a therapeutic role.
The Effect and the Mechanism of miR-209 Targeted Regulating PI3K (Phosphatidylinositol3-Kinase)/AKT (Protein Kinase B)/FOXO3a (Forkhead box O3) Signaling Pathway on Glioma Stem Cells
Authors: Yuan Wen , Zheng Wei , Liu Chao
Published: February 2023

To explore the role and mechanism of miR-209 target regulating PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a in glioma. GSCs were isolated from the lesions of glioma patients, cultured, passaged and characterized. Set blank control group (with saline solution), miR-209-mimics group (cells transfected with miR-209-mimics)
and negative control group (cells transfected with meaningless sequences). After cell transfection, observe the transfection efficiency of miR-209 MIC, detect the miR-209 mRNA expression level and biological peptide ions such as proliferation, migration, invasion, and withering, and detect
the expression of PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a-related proteins (PI3K, p-Akt, FOXO3a). The miR-209mRNA expression level in the miR-209 mimics group was much higher (P < 0.01), and they two had indifferent differentiation (P >0.05); 24, 48 and 72 hours after transfection, the cell migration,
proliferation rate and invasion ability of the miR-209 mimics group were much stronger (P <0.05) and the cell apoptosis rate at 24, 48, and 72 hours after transfection was much less (P < 0.01) and they two had no scientific differences (P > 0.05). The PI3K and
p-Akt protein expression in the glioma stem elements of the miR-209 transfected group was much higher (P <0.01). The expression of FOXO3a was much less (P <0.01), while the standard level of PI3K, P-Akt and FOXO3a protein had no obvious difference (P >0.05). miR-209
can activate PI3K/Akt/FOXO3a to promote the growth, reproduction and invasion of GSCs, and control the cells withering system. This will provide new avenues for clinical trials.
Up-Regulation of miR-26a-5p Promoted Cell Growth and Tumor Metastasis of Intracranial Malignancy Through Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Deleted on Chromosome Ten/Phosphatidylinositol3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xu Mingtao , Xu Li
Published: February 2023

Objective: Intracranial malignancy has ranked the 6th and 3rd in terms of global tumor morbidity and mortality, respectively. MicroRNA (miRNA) can regulate the cell physiological process. Methods: In previous study, we explored the anti-cancer effects and mechanism of
miR-26a-5p in human glioma. MiR-26a-5p expression was increased in patient with glioma. Up-regulation of miR-26a-5p promoted cell growth and tumor metastasis of human glioma through inactivation of PTEN/PI3K/Akt. Results: Down-regulation of miR-26a-5p reduced cell growth and tumor metastasis
of human glioma. Downregulation of miR-26a-5p induced PTEN protein expression, and reduced PI3K and p-Akt protein expression in human glioma. PTEN or PI3K inhibitor reduced the effects of miR-26a-5p on cell growth and tumor metastasis of human glioma. Conclusion: Our findings proved
that the cancer effect of MiR-26a-5p regulates PTEN expression and promoted cell growth of human glioma through PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
Study on Maslinic Acid Inhibiting Cardiomyocyte Pyrolysis by Regulating TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Jun , Miao Xianghong , Zhang Zaiyong
Published: February 2023

Background: The paper aimed to investigate the effects of Maslinic acid on myocardial injury caused by ischemia and hypoxia after acute myocardial infarction, and to explore the mechanism of Maslinic acid inhibiting local inflammation and myocardial cell pyrolysis, slowing down
the synthesis of extracellular matrix, improving myocardial fibrosis and remodeling ventricle. Materials and Methods: Wistar rats with acute myocardial infarction were used. The serum levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, and LDH were detected by ELISA. The expressions
of inflammation-related proteins such as TLR4, NFκB, NLRP3, IL-10, and TGF-β in myocardial infarction were detected by Western-blot. TUNEL method was employed to detect myocardial cell pyrolysis. Masson staining was used to detect myocardial fibrosis. Immunohistochemical
method was applied to detect the expressions of CD206 and CD11C to understand the polarization of macrophages. Results: Maslinic acid can inhibit the levels of inflammatory factors such as CRP, TNF-α and IL-1β, and reduce the expression of myocardial TLR4, NFκB,
NLRP3 and other inflammation-related proteins after myocardial infarction. The release of LDH is significantly reduced. The expression of TUNEL positive cells in myocardium is obviously reduced after myocardial infarction. Maslinic acid can increase the expression of CD206-positive cells and
reduce the expression of CD11C-positive cells, thus regulate and promote polarization into M2 macrophages. Conclusion: Maslinic acid may inhibit myocardial cell pyrolysis and inflammatory response by regulating the TLR4/NFκB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Maslinic acid can improve
myocardial fibrosis by inhibiting myocardial cell pyrolysis and regulating the polarization of macrophages.
Advances in Research on Titanium and Titanium Alloys with Antibacterial Functionality for Medical Use—A Review
Authors: Shen Yong , Jin Zhankui , Ling Ming , Sun Zhengming , Feng Min , Xu Cuixiang , Liu Shizhang
Published: February 2023

Materials based on titanium and its alloys are widely used in the medical and dental fields because of their excellent physical properties such as hardness, ductility and elastic modulus, etc. However, because commonly used titanium alloy internal plants do not have antibacterial properties, when these implants are implanted into the human body, there is a certain risk of infection. Such infections are extremely painful for the patient and problematic for the attending physician. In the past, infections of implants were usually treated with systemic antibiotics in combination with thorough debridement or implant replacement. However, these are passive treatments and typically cause huge physical and economic burdens on the patient. Therefore, attempts towards the development of implants with antibacterial functionality have been increasing, with the combination of titanium alloys with antibiotics, antibacterialmetals, and antibacterial peptides being the main research direction. Therefore, this paper will discuss the latest research progress in the preparation of titanium alloys with antibacterial strategies such as combining antibiotics or antimicrobial peptides, adding antimicrobial metals, and the antibacterial properties and biocompatibility of proposed systems are summarised and discussed herein. This review should serve as a reference for further research on antibacterial titanium alloy implants.
Relative Contribution of Moisture Transport during TC-Active and TC-Inactive Periods to the Precipitation in Henan Province of North China: Mean State and an Extreme Event
Authors: Chen Yangruixue , Liu Bo , Luo Yali , Martinez-Villalobos Cristian , Ren Guoyu , Huang Yongjie , Zhang Sihan , Sun Yong , Zhang Zhongshi
Published: February 2023

A Lagrangian model—the Hybrid Single-Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory model (HYSPLIT)—is used to quantify changes in moisture sources and paths for precipitation over North China’s Henan Province associated with tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific (WNP) during July–August of 1979–2021. During TC-active periods, an anomalous cyclone over the WNP enhances southeasterly and reduces southwesterly moisture transport to Henan. Accordingly, compared to TC-inactive periods, moisture contributions from the Pacific Ocean (PO), eastern China (EC), and the local area (Local) are significantly enhanced by 48.32% (16.73% versus 11.28%), 20.42% (9.44% versus 7.84%), and 2.89% (4.91% versus 4.77%), respectively, while moisture contributions from the Indian Ocean (IO), Southwestern China (SWC), Eurasia (EA), and the South China Sea (SCS) are significantly reduced by −31.90% (8.61% versus 12.64%), −16.27% (4.60% versus 5.50%), −8.81% (19.10% versus 20.95%), and −6.92% (12.18% versus 13.09%). Furthermore, the moisture transport for a catastrophic extreme rainfall event during 17–22 July (“21⋅7” event) influenced by Typhoon Infa is investigated. Compared to the mean state during TC-active periods, the moisture contribution from the PO was substantially increased by 126.32% (37.87% versus 16.73%), while that from IO significantly decreased by −98.26% (0.15% versus 8.61%) during the “21⋅7” event. Analyses with a bootstrap resampling method show that moisture contributions from the PO fall outside the +6σ range, for both the TC-active and TC-inactive probability distributions. Thus, the “21⋅7” event is rare and extreme in terms of the moisture contribution from the PO, with the occurrence probability being less than 1 in 1 million times.

Significance Statement

Henan, one of the most populated provinces in China, experienced a catastrophic extreme precipitation event in July 2021 (the “21⋅7” event), coinciding with the activity of a tropical cyclone (TC) over the western North Pacific, which helps establish the moisture channel. Using a Lagrangian model, we provide a better understanding of how moisture transport changes associated with TC for the mean state of 1979–2021, and reveal how extreme is the moisture transport for the “21⋅7” event with the bootstrap technique. It is found that during active TC periods, the moisture contribution from the Pacific Ocean (the Indian Ocean) is significantly enhanced (reduced). For every 1 000 000 six-day events, less than one instance like the “21⋅7” event should be expected.
Understanding Differences in Sea Surface Temperature Intercomparisons
Authors: Huang Boyin , Yin Xungang , Carton James A. , Chen Ligang , Graham Garrett , Liu Chunying , Smith Thomas , Zhang Huai-Min
Published: February 2023

Our study shows that the intercomparison among sea surface temperature (SST) products is influenced by the choice of SST reference, and the interpolation of SST products. The influence of reference SST depends on whether the reference SSTs are averaged to a grid or in pointwise in situ locations, including buoy or Argo observations, and filtered by first-guess or climatology quality control (QC) algorithms. The influence of the interpolation depends on whether SST products are in their original grids or preprocessed into common coarse grids. The impacts of these factors are demonstrated in our assessments of eight widely used SST products (DOISST, MUR25, MGDSST, GAMSSA, OSTIA, GPB, CCI, CMC) relative to buoy observations: (i) when the reference SSTs are averaged onto 0.25° × 0.25° grid boxes, the magnitude of biases is lower in DOISST and MGDSST (<0.03°C), and magnitude of root-mean-square differences (RMSDs) is lower in DOISST (0.38°C) and OSTIA (0.43°C); (ii) when the same reference SSTs are evaluated at pointwise in situ locations, the standard deviations (SDs) are smaller in DOISST (0.38°C) and OSTIA (0.39°C) on 0.25° × 0.25° grids; but the SDs become smaller in OSTIA (0.34°C) and CMC (0.37°C) on products’ original grids, showing the advantage of those high-resolution analyses for resolving finer-scale SSTs; (iii) when a loose QC algorithm is applied to the reference buoy observations, SDs increase; and vice versa; however, the relative performance of products remains the same; and (iv) when the drifting-buoy or Argo observations are used as the reference, the magnitude of RMSDs and SDs become smaller, potentially due to changes in observing intervals. These results suggest that high-resolution SST analyses may take advantage in intercomparisons.

Significance Statement

Intercomparisons of gridded SST products be affected by how the products are compared with in situ observations: whether the products are in coarse (0.25°) or original (0.05°–0.10°) grids, whether the in situ SSTs are in their reported locations or gridded and how they are quality controlled, and whether the biases of satellite SSTs are corrected by localized matchups or large-scale patterns. By taking all these factors into account, our analyses indicate that the NOAA DOISST is among the best SST products for the long period (1981–present) and relatively coarse (0.25°) resolution that it was designed for.
A Multiresolution Ensemble Hybrid 4DEnVar with Variable Ensemble Sizes to Improve Global and Tropical Cyclone Track Numerical Prediction
Authors: Jones Erin A. , Wang Xuguang
Published: February 2023

The current global operational four-dimensional ensemble-variational (4DEnVar) data assimilation (DA) system at NCEP adopts a background ensemble at a reduced resolution, which restricts the range of spatial scales that the ensemble background error covariance can resolve. A prior study developed a multiresolution ensemble 4DEnVar method and determined that this approach can provide a comparable forecast to an approach using solely high-resolution members, while substantially reducing the computational cost. This study further develops the multiresolution ensemble 4DEnVar approach to allow for a flexible number of low- and high-resolution ensemble members as well as varying localization length scales between the high- and low-resolution ensembles. Three 4DEnVar experiments with the same computational costs are compared. The first experiment has an 80-member high-resolution background ensemble with single-scale optimally tuned localization (SR-High). The second and third experiments utilize the multiresolution background ensembles. One has 130 low-resolution and 40 high-resolution members (MR170) while the other has 180 low-resolution members and 24 high-resolution members (MR204). Both multiresolution ensemble experiments utilize differing localization radii with ensemble resolution. Despite having the same costs, both MR170 and MR204 improves global forecasts and decreases tropical cyclone track errors for up to 5 days’ lead time compared to SR-High. Improvements are most apparent in larger-scale features, such as jet streams and the environmental steering flow of tropical cyclones. Additionally, MR170 outperforms MR204 in terms of global and tropical cyclone track forecasts, demonstrating the value of both increasing sampling at large scales and retaining substantial information at small scales.
Monopsony Power and Coordination in the Broiler Industry
Authors: Ribeiro Eduardo Pontual
Published: February 2023

The production of broilers is a well-known example of integration of food processors with growers. Tournament contracts are the norm in the industry, where processors provide chicks, feed, and veterinary supplies to the growers. The industry has come under antitrust scrutiny on several cases where processors have allegedly colluded to exercise market power both in the input and in the output markets and unilaterally exercised monopsony power. This article discusses the possible role that the integration model of contracting with growers may have on the monopsony power and collusion in the input market. In the case of confirmed collusion at the input market, damage compensation may be due. We present formulae that may be used to calculate damages in a buyer cartel.
Future Prospects of the Gravity Model of Trade: A Bibliometric Review (1993–2021)
Authors: Jadhav Suhas , Ghosh Ishita
Published: February 2023

The gravity model of trade (GMoT) has become popular among practitioners and academics lately, essentially because of its power to provide a comprehensive explanation of real-world trade data. Complementing this are Viner’s concepts of trade creation (TC) and trade diversion (TD), which have been crucial in the development of a conceptual framework for evaluating the trade implications of a trade agreement. This article attempts to conduct a bibliometric analysis for estimating TC and TD using the GoMT. It has been observed that the TC and TD estimations following the use of the GoMT are few. Additionally, TC and TD estimations for free trade agreements (FTA) have been conducted, but not so much for regional trade agreements (RTA). As a result, a broad range of research can be conducted, especially given the recent dynamic environment for new RTAs. A bibliometric analysis was undertaken to evaluate the current level of research on GMoT. The search was conducted through Scopus where 648 documents were retrieved and examined. The article indicates key findings and discusses future research prospects.

JEL: F10, F13, F14
Jews as Non-Aryans: The Vatican's Ambivalent Embrace of Fascist Italy's Racialization of Jews
Authors: Kertzer David I. , Benedetti Roberto
Published: February 2023

In the summer of 1938, Italy's Fascist regime announced its new ‘racial’ policy, soon to be followed by a series of draconian racial laws. The policy was based on the principle that Catholic Italians were of the Aryan race and Jewish Italians belonged to a separate race of non-Aryans. Previously the Vatican had made no such racial distinction. Yet, notwithstanding the frequent claim that the Church has never distinguished between Catholics and Jews on racial grounds, the Vatican quickly began to assimilate to the Fascist state's distinction of Jews as racially marked as non-Aryan. The opening in 2020 of the Vatican archives for the papacy of Pius XII (1939–58) has made available a huge trove of documents bearing on the way the pope and the Vatican secretariat of state dealt with Italy's racial laws and with the subsequent persecution of Italy's Jews during German occupation. As shown in this article, these documents make clear the Vatican's use of racial language and racial concepts as it dealt with the racial laws and the persecution of Italy's Jews from the time the racial laws were introduced in 1938 to the years of the Holocaust.
Mindfulness-Based Attention Training in the Navy: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Roemer Anja , Sutton Anna , Grimm Carsten , Kimber Stafford , Medvedev Oleg N.
Published: February 2023

Mind wandering is common during daily activities and is even more prevalent under stressful conditions, which could lead to lapses in attention and poor performance. Newly recruited military personnel who undergo demanding training often experience high levels of stress. It is therefore imperative to find ways to foster mental health and avoid performance deterioration related to mind wandering in times of intense military training. This feasibility study investigated the effectiveness of an established low-dose mindfulness-based intervention (MBI), called Mindfulness-based Attention Training (MBAT), on mind wandering, attentional performance, and well-being, delivered by a facilitator who was taught how to deliver MBAT. A sample of newly recruited Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Junior Officers ( n = 17) undergoing demanding training participated in the 8-week long MBI with one weekly contact session. Measures of well-being and the Sustained Attention to Response Task (SART) were completed 4 weeks prior to the MBAT, at the start of the MBAT, at the end of the MBAT and 4 weeks after completion of the MBAT. Results suggest that MBAT might protect from performance decline during intense training and enhance levels of well-being at follow-up. These findings highlight the valuable role of mindfulness as a component in military training.
Budgetary Clientelism and Decentralization in Hungary and Romania
Authors: Gherghina Sergiu , Volintiru Clara
Published: February 2023

The literature on clientelism covers the extent to which public budgets are politicized relative to specific groups of supporters. However, we know little about what drives the discretionary transfers from central to local governments. This article addresses this research gap and analyses the causes for such allocations in two East European countries: Hungary and Romania. The analysis draws on an original dataset that includes the transfers from central to local budgets in 2019 and the political affiliation of local governments. Our findings illustrate that the degree of decentralization and the electoral system can explain this type of clientelism.
Aortic regurgitation progression after mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease
Authors: Ho Tri Huynh Quang , Pham Thuy Thi Thanh
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Little is known about the fate of untreated moderate aortic regurgitation after mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease. The aim of this study was to compare the progression to significant aortic valve disease of untreated moderate and mild aortic regurgitation after mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease.

Methods

Among patients who underwent mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease without concomitant aortic valve intervention at our institution between January 2005 and December 2017, we selected 338 patients with pure aortic regurgitation (273 patients with mild and 65 patients with moderate aortic regurgitation).

Results

After a median follow-up of 10.0 years, 16 patients developed significant aortic valve disease. Freedom from significant aortic valve disease at 3 years, 8 years, and 14 years was 100%, 97.8 ± 1.1%, and 93.5 ± 2.3% in patients with mild aortic regurgitation, and 98.5 ± 1.5%, 94.5 ± 3.2%, and 80.6 ± 7.5% in patients with moderate aortic regurgitation (log-rank test: p = 0.007). Seven patients with mild aortic regurgitation and two patients with moderate aortic regurgitation underwent aortic valve replacement.

Conclusions

After mitral valve replacement for rheumatic heart disease, untreated moderate aortic regurgitation progressed more frequently to significant aortic valve disease compared to untreated mild aortic regurgitation. A marked difference in freedom from significant aortic valve disease occurred after eight years. Aortic valve replacement was rarely needed.
Academic libraries’ support for quality education through community engagement
Authors: Bangani Siviwe
Published: February 2023

This paper reports on a study which sought to assess the community engagement (CE) initiatives of academic libraries in South Africa. The research approach adopted was qualitative using online interviews with 20 heads of libraries in South Africa and 8 online focus group discussions with library staff as data collection methods. It was found that South African academic libraries’ CE initiatives can be construed as support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on quality education and life-long learning in the context of this study. Initiatives that were interpreted as a contribution to SDG 4 were the imparting of information literacy skills to schools and librarians from other sectors, promotion of reading and writing, library visits by school learners, donation of school shoes and uniforms to learners, as well as donation of computers and computer literacy training to schools. The results of this study are a testament to the potential of academic libraries to change lives of ordinary citizens beyond the academy through CE. They provide fresh insights on the contribution of academic libraries to SDGs. This study can open new avenues for studying the contribution of academic libraries in the SDGs. Given that the phenomenon of CE is itself a fairly new area of study in academic libraries, this study will add a lot of value in this niche.
Perception of the Presumption of Innocence in the Context of Media Depictions of Violence: The Role of Participant’s Gender, Type of Crime, and Defendant’s Socioeconomic Status
Authors: Łyś Agnieszka E. , Bargiel-Matusiewicz Kamilla , Studzińska Anna
Published: February 2023

The #MeToo movement has provoked a worldwide discussion about sexual violence. Some critics of the movement argue that it violates the presumption of innocence. In the current study, we investigated the determinants of the perception of the presumption of innocence in the context of media depictions of violence. We took into account previous studies that suggest that people view more favorably defendants in rape trials than they do men accused of other crimes and that people view more favorably defendants with a high socioeconomic status than they do those with a low socioeconomic status. The current study investigated whether the perception of the presumption of innocence is related to the type of crime (sexual vs. nonsexual assault) or to the socioeconomic status of the defendant (a famous writer vs. a maintenance worker). We conducted a vignette-based study with a sample of Polish people ( N = 158). The type of crime did not influence the perception of the presumption of innocence; however, women who participated in the study endorsed the presumption of innocence to a greater extent when the defendant had a high socioeconomic status. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
Comparative Efficacy, Safety, and Acceptability of Pimavanserin and Other Atypical Antipsychotics for Parkinson’s Disease Psychosis: Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yunusa Ismaeel , Rashid Nazia , Seyedin Roxanna , Paratane Deepika , Rajagopalan Krithika
Published: February 2023

Background

The current comparative efficacy, safety, and acceptability of atypical antipsychotics (AAPs) in treating Parkinson's Disease Psychosis (PDP) are not entirely understood.

Objective

To evaluate comparative efficacy, safety, and acceptability of AAPs in patients with PDP.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and a network meta-analysis to compare the efficacy, safety, and acceptability of pimavanserin, quetiapine, olanzapine, clozapine, ziprasidone, and risperidone. We estimated relative standardized mean differences (SMDs) for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (OR) for binary outcomes, with their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

We included 19 unique studies evaluating AAPs in a total of 1,242 persons with PDP. Based on Clinical Global Impression Scale for Severity, pimavanserin (SMD, −4.81; 95% CI, −5.39, −4.24) and clozapine (SMD, −4.25; 95% CI, −5.24, −3.26) significantly improved symptoms compared with placebo. Also, compared to placebo, pimavanserin (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.07, 1.24) significantly improved psychotic symptoms based on Scale for Assessment of Positive Symptoms for Parkinson's Disease Psychosis/Hallucinations and Delusions scores. In comparison to placebo, clozapine (SMD, −0.69; 95% CI, −1.35, −0.02), pimavanserin (SMD, −0.01; 95% CI, −0.56, 0.53), and quetiapine (SMD, 0.00; 95% CI, −0.68, 0.69) did not impair motor function per Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating scale. Based on Mini-Mental State Examination scale, quetiapine (SMD, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.07, 1.14) significantly impaired cognition compared to placebo.

Conclusions

In patients with PDP, pimavanserin and clozapine demonstrated significant improvement in psychosis without affecting motor function. With quetiapine being associated with a significant decline in cognition and despite not impairing motor function, our findings suggest that it should be avoided in patients with PDP and reduced cognitive abilities.
Numerical study of bubble nucleation and growth of N2 in low density polyethylene
Authors: Azimi Hamidreza
Published: February 2023

Bubble nucleation and growth were investigated in low density polyethylene (LDPE) using nitrogen (N2). The solubility and diffusivity of N2 in low density polyethylene were determined by a magnetic suspension balance (MSB) system. The bubble nucleation and growth during foaming was assessed using a visualization batch foaming system. It was observed that the increase in temperature and pressure decrement, decreased the bubble density, respectively. The bubble size during the foaming was also studied through numerical model and the effect of various simulation variables on the bubble growth was investigated. It was concluded that the numerical model could predict the foaming process. Moreover, according to the bubble pressure profile, the N2diffusion are formative factors in controlling the bubble growth.
Cascade-modified uncertainty and disturbance estimator–based control of quadrotors for accurate attitude tracking under exogenous disturbance
Authors: Qin Zijie , Wang Haoze , Liu Kun , Zhu Bo , Zhao Xi , Zheng Weijie , Dang Qingqing
Published: February 2023

This paper presents a cascade-modified uncertainty and disturbance estimator (CMUDE)–based controller. The attitude-tracking performance of a quadrotor would be greatly degraded due to two factors: (1) a nonideal actuator and (2) an exogenous disturbance. Based on these factors, an actuator model is accurately identified using a thrust test platform. Then, a cascade-structured CMUDE controller is designed through the backstepping method, so the disturbances from different channels can be separately dealt with. The idea of the uncertainty and disturbance estimator (UDE) is then applied to dynamically compensate for not only the exogenous disturbance but also the time delay in the actuator dynamics. Benefitting from that, the problem of mismatched disturbances is solved by defining virtual control inputs; furthermore, the nonlinear term in the attitude kinematics is included in the model uncertainty to be canceled instead of being ignored. When tracking attitude commands, the exogenous disturbance and model uncertainty along with the time delay of the actuator are estimated and compensated for by the proposed controller, so the performance of the disturbance rejection is significantly improved while maintaining a quick response to the rapidly changing commands. To verify that, the proposed controller is implemented on a quadrotor platform to carry out exhaustive experiments and compared with the mainstream cascade PID (CPID) controller, the classic UDE-based controller, and the latest modified-UDE (MUDE)–based controller. The results show that our control strategy achieves a better disturbance rejection and more accurate tracking performance than other controllers.
Social movements in the context of crisis: waste picker organizations as collaborative public partners in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gutberlet Jutta , Mantovani Martiniano de Azevedo Adalberto , Morais Leandro , Bacic Miguel Juan , Silva de Mesquita Maryellen
Published: February 2023

Social movements are purposeful, organized groups of people addressing the creation and reproduction of inequality, rights and access issues, seeking to transform sectoral policies. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, social movements have been acting in articulation with government and private companies and through other actions formulated within their networks, as service deliverers to the poor and vulnerable populations most heavily affected, often filling a gap created by unfulfilled policies. Our research with waste picker organizations in Brazil illustrates how their struggle for recognition has taken action in this context. Academic and government documents, social media and online material (blogs, posts, websites, etc.) and virtual meetings inform this research. We found that multiple actors have contributed to mitigate the urgent needs of waste pickers during the pandemic, but that at the same time, pre-existing challenges in waste management and the lack of wide-ranging social and economic inclusion have been further intensified.
On the modeling of circular piezoelectric transducers for wave propagation-based structural health monitoring applications
Authors: Lopes Kayc W , Gonsalez-Bueno Camila G , Inman Daniel J , Bueno Douglas D
Published: February 2023

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) techniques have an important role in the performance of mechanical structures. In particular, piezoelectric transducers (PZT) have been employed for establishing damage detection processes in SHM systems. However, despite their wide use, there is limited information in the literature regarding important characteristics for SHM applications, such as the shape, dimensions and frequencies to use, which can affect the performance of the system used to detect the damage. This article investigates longitudinal and flexural waves for applications using circular piezoelectric transducers bonded to thin plates. The methodology allows one to obtain optimal frequencies to create and capture both types of waves and understand the influence of the geometric characteristics of these transducers on the damage detection. Numerical simulations are carried out to show that a change in the parameters of the piezoelectric transducers can maximize the waves amplitudes incoming at the sensor. Results from experimental tests are presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology. New equations are introduced and they compute output voltage and determine optimal frequencies to monitor the structure. The findings contribute to establishing a more efficient design of a damage detection process involving plate-like structures in SHM systems based on wave propagation.
Planning an Escape: Considerations for the Development of Applied Escape Rooms
Authors: Doherty Shawn M. , Griggs Andrew C. , Lazzara Elizabeth H. , Keebler Joseph R. , Gewertz Bruce L. , Cohen Tara N.
Published: February 2023

Background

Teams are essential to a wide array of applications and organizations often utilize varying interventions to improve the effectiveness of their teams. Due to their collaborative and modifiable characteristics, escape rooms are being increasingly utilized as an avenue to both deliver team interventions and to function as testbeds in research. Escape rooms are complex, interdependent activities which warrant careful planning to be effectively implemented. Despite the growing literature base concerning escape rooms, there is still limited practical guidance to inform the development of an escape room.

Aim

The purpose of this article is to provide seven considerations that are relevant to the development, implementation, and effectiveness of an escape room. Specifically, guidance is provided in determining the objectives, identifying a theme, assigning the roles, establishing participant interdependence, selecting a venue, designing the puzzles, and creating the assessments.

Conclusion

The considerations provided in this article can advance the science underlying the use of escape rooms and preclude difficulties associated with their use.
Elaborations and Denials in Children’s Responses to Yes–No Any/Some Questions in Forensic Interviews
Authors: Szojka Zsofia A. , Henderson Hayden M. , Hur Jina , Siepmann Hannah , Lyon Thomas D.
Published: February 2023

This study examined 379 4- to 12-year-old children’s answers to any/some and other yes–no questions in forensic interviews about sexual abuse ( N = 10,041). Yes–no questions that include the terms any/some (e.g., “Did he say anything?”) often implicitly ask for elaboration when the answer is yes (“What did he say?”). However, children may give unelaborated responses to yes–no questions, fail to recognize implicit requests, and falsely respond “no.” As predicted, children gave more wh- elaborations in response to any/some questions than other yes–no questions, but younger children elaborated less often than older children. Also as predicted, children responded “no” more often to any/some questions than to other yes–no questions, and more often to “any” than to “some” questions. “No” responses were also more common when children were asked potentially vague anything/something questions and else/other/different questions. The results highlight the potential risks of asking children any/some questions.
Does industry resilience matter for postshock industrial policy? A focus on tourism-related industries
Authors: Prodi Elena , Fasone Vincenzo , Di Tommaso Marco R
Published: February 2023

Selective industrial policies have been increasingly used by governments to achieve desired normative goals. However, they have been revealed to be complex and vulnerable interventions, demanding robust tools able to justify choices and mitigate potential ‘government failures’. In light of the emerging challenges and potential disruptions that might threaten our economies and societies, we contend that postshock industry resilience can be a valuable analytical framework to understand how different sectors react to unforeseen shocks. Accordingly, we present a methodology that measures postshock industry resilience and apply it to the Italian case in the aftermath of the 2008 shock. Particular attention is devoted to tourism-related industries. Main findings show that the industries reacted heterogeneously to the 2008 shock. For tourism-related industries, the results suggest following an ad hoc approach to the analysis of each tourism-focused industry to avoid generalizations that might lead to incorrect policy interpretations.
Loving cultural work at Southbank Centre: Evolutions of emotional, embodied, collaborative labour
Authors: Williams Kathy
Published: February 2023

This article scrutinises a recent moment of cultural work at Southbank Centre, drawing on empirical research including 32 interviews carried out over a 4-year period. It supports the view that it is important to extend our historical understanding of cultural work and argues that cultural labour and affective economy debates need to be situated in longer institutional contexts. Focusing on what it describes as ‘emotional, embodied, collaborative labour’, it analyses these tropes in relation to both specific histories of Southbank Centre and to broader theories of cultural work and emotional labour. It also argues that by unpacking the changing forms of emotional labour required by cultural workers at Southbank Centre, we can develop our understanding of how and why cultural work evolves within specific contexts. During the period I researched Southbank Centre, the need for individualised, ‘appropriate’ emotional labour, and the ability to facilitate enjoyable visitor experiences was made key for cultural workers, and yet the adept demonstration of these personal attributes is not something which is equally available to all. Through analysis of both academic theory and findings from my research, the article therefore unpacks how collaborative working practices coexist with emotional labour, embodied work and the production of an affective visitor experience as well as being shaped by their cultural–political contexts.