bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Cytotoxicity of Aqueous Extract and Oleo-Essential Oil of Dorema ammoniacum Plant Oleo-Gum Resin in Some Human Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Mohammadi Pour Pardis , Bidad Spideh , Bahrami Gholamreza , Hosseinzadeh Leila , Mojarrab Mahdi , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein
Published: August 2022

Background and Aim. This study is aimed at examining the cytotoxic and apoptotic activity of the aqueous extract and essential oil of Dorema ammoniacum D. Don gum toward some cancer cell lines. Experimental Procedure. The aqueous extract of D. ammoniacum oleo-gum resin was obtained by decoction method, and essential oil was prepared using distillation method by Clevenger apparatus. The cytotoxic activity of aqueous extract and essential oil of D. ammoniacum oleo-gum resin toward A549, PC3, HeLa, and MCF7 cell lines was examined by MTT method. Following selecting the most potent extract and essential oil, the mechanism of activity of these samples was examined by determining caspase-3 and caspase-9 activity, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) enzymatic activity. Results. Aqueous extract and essential oil reduced the viability of A549 cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The lowest inhibitory concentrations (

I

C

50

) for both samples of D. ammoniacum oleo-gum resin were 10 and 2.5 μg/ml for 24 hours in A549 cell line, respectively. After treatment with extract and essential oil of D. ammoniacum oleo-gum resin, ROS increased significantly compared to the control group. Although changes in caspase-3 did not show a significant increase in extract, the caspase-3 was found to be increased after exposure to essential oil and caspase-9 was downregulated after exposure to essential oil. Also, exposure to essential oil of D. ammoniacum caused a reduction in MMP level. Conclusion. Based on results, the cytotoxic effect of essential oil of D. ammoniacum can induce apoptosis toward A549 cell line via induction of oxidative stress, MMP depletion, and caspase-3 activation, which is independent to mitochondrial cytochrome c release and caspase-9 function.
Larval Anopheles Species Composition and Diversity at Different Habitats and Seasons of Gondar Zuria District, Ethiopia
Authors: Asmare Yelfwagash , Wale Melaku , Adem Sualih
Published: August 2022

Anopheles species’ larval habitats are diversified and season dependent. Anopheles larvae can be found at different habitats and their preference may vary seasonally. Knowledge of species diversity and distribution helps plan malaria control interventions. Anopheles larvae were sampled using the WHO standard 350 ml dipper from breeding habitats of irrigation, pond, sewage, stream, and swamp. The collected sample larvae were identified microscopically to species using morphological keys. Among Anopheles species recorded, Anopheles gambiae complex was the most abundant followed by Anopheles christyi, Anopheles cinereus, Anopheles demeilloni, and Anopheles pharoensis in descending order. Anopheles species occurred more in January than in other months of the study period and less in March and April. For any particular mosquito species, larval abundance did not significantly vary between the habitats; in other words, all habitats contributed equally. In this study, we confirmed that Anopheles mosquito larval population varied more with respect to species than to habitats and months. Interventions could be launched targeting each habitat; during the month, numbers were high.
The Relationship between Gestational Newborn Weight Loss and Hospitalization in the First Week after Birth
Authors: Qiao Linxiao , Zhang Haiyan , Yuan Yufeng , Zhu Wenying , Yuan Jing , Hu Yuanyuan , Zhu Hongli
Published: August 2022

Objective. To investigate the association of weight loss daily of term infants with hospitalization in the first week after birth. Methods. This prospective cohort study was conducted among 1865 infants from May 2020 to June 2021, born in the Department of Obstetrics, Kunshan’s First People’s Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University and Huai’an Maternal and Child Health Care Center. The infants’ weight was collected daily in the hospital, and the weight loss was calculated daily. According to the weight loss daily, the infants were divided into 3 groups. Group A: the weight loss per day was less than 2% of birth weight, and the total weight loss was less than 10%. Group B: the weight loss per day was between 2 and 4% of the birth weight, and the total weight loss was less than 10%. Group C: the weight loss per day was more than 4% of the birth weight, or the total weight was more than 10%. The infants in group C were monitored carefully in the hospital or Outpatient Department (OPD) daily. The primary outcome was the incidence of hospitalization. Results. Of the 1865 term infants enrolled, 1052 were completed on the 7th day (356 in group A, 513 in group B, and 183 in group C). There was no significant difference among the three groups of subjects in terms of infant data, including birth weight, gender, Apgar scores, and gestational age. The number of C-sections and primiparas was substantially higher in groups C and B than in group A. The incidence of hospitalization in group C was significantly higher than that in group A and group B (30.6%, 12.1%, and 12.5%, respectively). The incidence of exclusive breastfeeding in group C was significantly lower than that in group A and group B (28.4%, 41%, and 38.4%, respectively). There was no significant difference between group A and group B in the incidence of hospitalization and exclusive breastfeeding. Most of the hospitalization was because of hyperbilirubinemia, and in group C, there were 2 babies because of dehydration fever and 3 because of hypoglycemia. Conclusions. The neonates whose weight loss daily after birth was more than 4% of the total weight loss of more than 10% had higher hospitalization rates.
Relationship between Atherogenic Dyslipidaemia and Lipid Triad with Different Scales of Overweight and Obesity in 418,343 Spanish Workers
Authors: Busquets-Cortés Carla , López Carlos , Paublini Hernán , Arroyo Bote Sebastiana , López-González Ángel Arturo , Ramírez-Manent José Ignacio
Published: August 2022

Obesity induces alterations in lipid biochemistry, evolving toward dyslipidaemia atherogenesis, a critical factor in the development of cardiovascular events. Two relevant forms of lipid abnormalities are atherogenic dyslipidaemia (AD) and lipid triad (LT), which involve alterations in triglyceride levels, HDL-c, and LDL-c. The aim of this study was to assess the linkage of atherogenic AD and LT with different scales of overweight and obesity. We carried out a cross-sectional study including 418,343 Spanish adult workers, recruited from workplace health assessments. Atherogenic dyslipidaemia was defined as triglyceride levels ≥ 150 mg/dL, HDL values < 40 mg/dL in men and <45 mg/dL in women, and normal LDL. Additionally, if LDL levels were >160 mg/dL, LT was considered. Subjects affected by AD and LT in the study exhibited significantly higher mean values than those without AD and LT in all overweight, obesity, and body fat related scales studied. VAI (visceral adiposity index) was the strongest predictor of AD (AUC = 0.934, 95% CI: 0.933 to 0.936) and LT (AUC = 0.926, 95% CI: 0.923 to 0.928). Atherogenic dyslipidaemia and LT positively correlate with different scales of overweight and obesity. Further studies should aim to identify other contributory factors. Our obtained data might be useful in laying the groundwork for future works on AD and LT.
Mavorixafor, an Orally Bioavailable CXCR4 Antagonist, Increases Immune Cell Infiltration and Inflammatory Status of Tumor Microenvironment in Patients with Melanoma
Authors: Andtbacka Robert H.I. , Wang Yan , Pierce Robert H. , Campbell Jean S. , Yushak Melinda , Milhem Mohammed , Ross Merrick , Niland Katie , Arbeit Robert D. , Parasuraman Sudha , Bickley Kris , Yeung Cecilia CS , Aicher Lauri D. , Smythe Kimberly S. , Gan Lu
Published: August 2022

Purpose:

Mavorixafor is an oral, selective inhibitor of the CXCR4 chemokine receptor that modulates immune cell trafficking. A biomarker-driven phase Ib study (NCT02823405) was conducted in 16 patients with melanoma to investigate the hypothesis that mavorixafor favorably modulates immune cell profiles in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and to evaluate the safety of mavorixafor alone and in combination with pembrolizumab.

Experimental Design:

Serial biopsies of melanoma lesions were assessed after 3 weeks of mavorixafor monotherapy and after 6 weeks of combination treatment for immune cell markers by NanoString analysis for gene expression and by multiplexed immunofluorescent staining for in situ protein expression. Serum samples taken at biopsy timepoints were evaluated for key chemokine and cytokine alterations using the Myriad Rules Based Medicine multiplex immunoassays.

Results:

Within the TME, mavorixafor alone increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration, granzyme B signal, antigen presentation machinery, and both tumor inflammatory signature (TIS) and IFNγ gene expression signature scores. Increases in the key serum cytokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 were further enhanced when mavorixafor was combined with pembrolizumab. Adverse events (AE), as assessed by the investigator according to NCI Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (v4.03), related to either mavorixafor or pembrolizumab (≥15%) were diarrhea, fatigue, maculopapular rash, and dry eye. Reported AEs were all ≤ grade 3.

Conclusion/Discussion:

Treatment with single-agent mavorixafor resulted in enhanced immune cell infiltration and activation in the TME, leading to increases in TIS and IFNγ gene signatures. Mavorixafor as a single agent, and in combination with pembrolizumab, has an acceptable safety profile. These data support further investigation of the use of mavorixafor for patients unresponsive to checkpoint inhibitors.

Significance:

Despite survival improvements in patients with melanoma treated with checkpoint inhibitor therapy, a significant unmet medical need exists for therapies that enhance effectiveness. We propose that mavorixafor sensitizes the melanoma tumor microenvironment and enhances the activity of checkpoint inhibitors, and thereby may translate to a promising treatment for broader patient populations.
Diagnose und Management von malignem Pleuraerguss: Ein Jahrzehnt im Rückblick
Authors: Jacobs Blake , Sheikh Ghias , Youness Houssein A. , Keddissi Jean I. , Abdo Tony
Published: August 2022

Ein maligner Pleuraerguss (MPE) ist eine häufige Komplikation von thorakalen und extrathorakalen Malignomen und geht mit einer hohen Sterblichkeit einher. Die Behandlung ist hauptsächlich palliativ, wobei die Symptome durch Ergussdrainage und Pleurodese gelindert werden. Die Pleurodese kann durch die Verabreichung eines Sklerosierungsmittels über eine Thorakostomie-Sonde, eine Thorakoskopie oder einen Pleuraverweilkatheter (IPC) beschleunigt werden. In den letzten zehn Jahren haben mehrere randomisierte, kontrollierte Studien das derzeitige Management von MPE zugunsten eines ambulanten Ansatzes geprägt, wobei der Einsatz von IPC deutlich zugenommen hat. Die Präferenzen der Patienten sind nach wie vor entscheidend für die Wahl der optimalen Therapie, insbesondere wenn die Lunge erweiterbar ist. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit haben wir die MPE-Literatur der letzten 10 bis 15 Jahre durchgesehen und uns dabei besonders auf die Diagnose und das sich entwickelnde Management konzentriert.
Hippocampal Functional Connectivity in Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Llewelyn Landis E. , Kornisch Myriam , Park Hyejin , Ikuta Toshikazu
Published: August 2022

Background: While the hippocampus is not part of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic pathway, influence of Parkinson’s disease (PD) on the hippocampus has been consistently implicated. However, it is not clear how the hippocampal changes contribute to the pathology of PD. Objectives: We aimed to elucidate the physiological changes of the hippocampus in its orchestration with the rest of the brain. Methods: Using the resting-state fMRI data from Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative (PPMI), functional connectivity of the hippocampus was analyzed in 93 individuals with PD and 18 individuals without PD. Results: A whole brain voxel-wise analysis showed that the bilateral paracingulate gyri were less connected to the hippocampus in the PD group compared to the control group. The hippocampus-paracingulate dysconnectivity did not show association with cognitive indices. Conclusions: The hippocampus in PD shows dysconnectivity to the paracingulate gyri.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Community College Enrollment and Student
Success: Evidence from California Administrative Data
Authors: Bulman George , Fairlie Robert
Published: August 2022

This paper examines how the pandemic impacted the enrollment patterns, fields of study, and academic outcomes of students in the California Community College System, the largest higher-education system in the country. Enrollment dropped precipitously during the pandemic—the total number of enrolled students fell by 11 percent from Fall 2019 to Fall 2020 and by another 7 percent from Fall 2020 to Fall 2021. The California Community College system lost nearly 300,000 students over this period. Our analysis reveals that enrollment reductions were largest among black and Latinx students, and were larger among continuing students than first-time students. We find no evidence that having a large online presence prior to the pandemic protected colleges from these negative effects. Enrollment changes were substantial across a wide range of fields and were large for both vocational courses and academic courses that can be transferred to four-year institutions. In terms of course performance, changes in completion rates, withdrawal rates, and grades primarily occurred in the spring of 2020. These findings of the effects of the pandemic at community colleges have implications for policy, impending budgetary pressures, and future research.
Pleading the Blood
Authors: Black Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Although Pentecostals have given much attention to the Breaking of Bread, they have not generally considered it from the perspective of eucharistic sacrifice. Yet, from the earliest days of the history of the church, and with remarkable consistency across the ancient divisions of the church, the Eucharist has been recognised as a sacrifice. This article draws on the significant British Pentecostal concept of pleading the blood, along with the proto-Pentecostal Catholic Apostolic Church, and D.P. Williams’ understanding of the heavenly priesthood of Christ, in conversation with the wider church, to work towards a Pentecostal theology of eucharistic sacrifice, which would also have wider ecumenical potential for Protestant understandings of the Lord’s Supper.
Aristoteles und Demokrit in der Gelehrtenrepublik
Authors: Borghardt Dennis , Rocks Carolin
Published: August 2022

This article examines Leibniz’s correspondence of the 1660s and 1670s, focusing on the reception of antiquity. The selected letters discuss contemporary natural philosophy. The article argues that Leibniz does not simply refer affirmatively to the ancient philosophers he values (especially Plato, Aristotle, and Democritus), but positions them in the erudite communication of correspondence. In this way, the correspondence projects a synchronicity of ancient and modern natural philosophy, and even depicts a transhistorical res publica lit[t]eraria, in which Aristotle and Democritus are well present.
Supplex Libellus / Aller vnderthenigiste Supplication
Authors: Seidel Robert
Published: August 2022

After the Battle of White Mountain (November 8, 1620), a series of satirical propaganda writings were published against Frederick V of the Palatinate, who had triggered the Thirty Years’ War with his thoughtless takeover of the Bohemian crown. Several of these writings presented themselves as parodic letters of complaint from the ‘Winter King’ to opponents of the war or to (former) allies. In each case, the aim was to ridicule the young monarch’s military inexperience, political ignorance and grotesque hubris. There is a fictitious letter published in both a Latin (Supplex libellus) and German version (Aller vnderthenigiste Supplication) at the beginning of 1621, which was addressed to Emperor Ferdinand II. In complete misjudgment of the military and political situation, Frederick V strives for far-reaching compensation for the defeat he has suffered and has absurd visions in which he even sees himself as a future Roman King. This study first outlines the historical and publicistic context of the letters, then gives a brief summary and finally offers a comparative analysis of the two texts. It pursues a literary approach and investigates the extent to which the satirical intention of the anonymous authors is supported by the choice of letter fiction.
“So pöbelhaft die Sprache in diesem gantzen Briefe ist.”
Authors: Blum Stephanie
Published: August 2022

Letters to the editor in the moral weeklies represent a special form of epistolary practice in the early 18th century, which is examined in this article on the basis of Johann Christoph Gottsched’s Die Vernünfftigen Tadlerinnen. Within the didactic concept of the journal, a fictitious correspondence between the fictitious editors and their supposed readers takes place, contributing to the dialogicity of the piece and suggesting that the magazine is widely perceived. Furthermore, letter-writing is addressed with the aim of improving the written German language and is repeatedly linked to the question of female education. Overall, an affinity between letter-writing guides and the moral weekly is elaborated, which suggests a use of the letter in the course of a popularization of knowledge.
Kritische Felder
Authors: Kittelmann Jana
Published: August 2022

Johann Jakob Bodmer (1698–1783) belongs to the central figures of the European Enlightenment. Not only with his literary theoretical and aesthetic writings, but especially through his widely ramified network of letters, he played a decisive role in the formation of the literary field of the 18th century. However, so far only a small portion of his Nachlass is accessible in scientific editions. Using selected examples from the correspondence (in part unpublished) between Samuel Gotthold Lange, Johann Georg Sulzer, Martin Künzli and others, this article shows how Bodmer transferred critical discussions and debates conducted in his private correspondence into the public space, contributing to the establishment of the published letter as a genre of criticism in the Enlightenment.
“Ein galanter mensch muß in allem seinen thun natürlich seyn”
Authors: Mevissen Yulia
Published: August 2022

Tracing the history of ‘natural’ style from late 17th century letter writing manuals to Gellert’s reform, this article shows how the ideal of ‘naturalness’ is being derived from the topos of letters as conversations among absentees (sermo absentis ad absentem). The article argues that semantic shifts within the concept of ‘naturalness’ go along with changes in the relationship between letters and publicity. Unlike gallant letters, Gellert’s letters generate their quality of ‘naturalness’ by emphasizing that they were allegedly not intended for an outside audience.
Briefe wider die Freidenker
Authors: Spiekermann Björn
Published: August 2022

Since the middle of the 18th century, the epistolary form was increasingly used as a means of apologetics. Thereby, theologians reacted to the combination of fiction and philosophy, which gave unexpected success to religious criticism from Britain and France – especially to Voltaire. However, the alliance of apologetics and fine literature had limited viability and only lasted for about a generation. These circumstances will be demonstrated by analyzing Johann H. C. Zahn’s Letters to the Freethinkers (1764–1767) in their wider historical context.
Briefe über Briefe
Authors: Axtner-Borsutzky Anna
Published: August 2022

Sophie von La Roche wrote multiple private and fictional letters. She participated in J. G. Jacobi’s Iris in writing some Freundschaftliche Frauenzimmer⸗Briefe which were that popular that she continued them as a book series. While doing so, she asked her network including Goethe, Wieland and the Jacobis for advice and marketing. In her practice you can see the blurred lines between familiar and public writing in transmitting style and topics accompanied by her advisors. In her own journal Pomona she became an advisory letter writer herself and used the methods of marketing she was told in letters before. In her case supposed private writing leads to more visibility in public.
Protreptik, Lehrbrief, Studienanleitung für Lehrer
Authors: Hanstein Michael
Published: August 2022

In 1565 the Strasbourg Gymnasium experienced a profound crisis. Rector Sturm contributed this to the lack of understanding of the method he had developed approximately 30 years prior. Thus, Sturm inspected teaching lessons and distributed detailed recommendation letters to teachers. These letters, called the Classicae Epistolae, represent a hybrid genre: as didactic letters they convey a pedagogic-methodical content, while they also contain protreptic elements with Sturm’s calls to implement his recommendations.
Briefpublizistik der Frühen Neuzeit
Authors: Meierhofer Christian , Spiekermann Björn
Published: August 2022

This introductory article examines early modern letter-writing in its ambiguous state between private and public communication by providing a few historical and systematic perspectives. From a historical point of view, it can be shown how several humanists tried to outline some characteristics of the public letter with regard to the traditional distinction between public speech and private conversation. The new opportunities marked by the printing press also raised new potentials for writing and publishing letters in terms of a libertas epistolaris. From a systematic point of view, public letter-writing relates to other genres, media and practices. This article therefore aims to distinguish several categories, i. e. rhetoricity and literariness, authenticity and fictionality, exclusiveness and popularity, materiality and mediality. Lastly, the special focus on the public dimensions of letter-writing might help to reconsider general assumptions about its subjectivity and spontaneity since the middle of the eighteenth century.
Précis of Austin’s Way with Skepticism: An Essay on Philosophical Method
Authors: Kaplan Mark
Published: August 2022

Austin wrote as if what we say as epistemologists needs to accord faithfully with what we say, and are committed to saying, in ordinary life. The consensus has long been that Austin wrote this way because he simply didn’t understand the nature of the epistemologist’s project. Austin’s Way with Skepticism explains why the consensus is mistaken. The book shows that, far from reflecting a failure on Austin’s part to understand the epistemologist’s project, Austin’s fidelity requirement was born of a powerful critique of how that project has been conceived. The book also provides evidence of just how fruitful an epistemology is to be had, once we take that critique to heart and do epistemology as Austin thought it should be done.
First record of Xyleborus bispinatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae, Scolytinae) and evidence of stable populations in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GALLEGO DIEGO , SORA NICOLÒ DI , MOLINA NOELIA , GONZALEZ-ROSA EUDALDO , MAS HUGO , KNÍŽEK MILOŠ
Published: August 2022

We present the first record of the tropical ambrosia beetle Xyleborus bispinatus in the Iberian Peninsula, collected in traps located in Murcia, Alicante and Valencia provinces (Spain). Insects have been captured in baited traps of long-time trapping networks (ESFP, MUFFET, RAT and SAMFIX) installed in Eastern Spain. Several individuals (410) of X. bispinatus have been collected in seven locations, first in 2009 in Murcia Region, and from 2018 to 2021 in Valencia Region. No attacks by X. bispinatus have been detected on plants thus far, and therefore the host plant in Spain remains unknown. Stable X. bispinatus populations have been detected in a wide area of central Valencian province. We may consider this as an alarming scenario that should be kept under surveillance by maintaining the current trapping network and intensifying the search for the host plants.
Two new species of the genus Kapsa Dworakowska from the karst area of Southwest China (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Typhlocybinae)
Authors: YANG XIAO , LUO GUIMEI , SONG YUE-HUA
Published: August 2022

The leafhopper genus Kapsa Dworakowska, 1972 contains 32 species, mainly known from the Oriental Realm. Two new species collected from Huajiang Town, Guizhou Province, China are described and illustrated, Kapsa huajiangensis sp. n. and Kapsa uniaxialis sp. n. A key to distinguish all the Chinese species of the nominotypical subgenus is given.
Probability Games, Workshops, and the Social World of International Science Communication
Authors: Atsbeha Ezana Amdework , Holzer Elizabeth , Anagnostou Emmanouil , Block Paul , Alexander Sarah , Negatu Selam Esayas , Kirksey Kristen
Published: August 2022

Probabilistic thinking underpins a wide range of scientific claims, but effectively communicating probabilistic information across audiences is challenging. In this article, we present a political–institutional approach to science that harnesses the social relationships between the people working as scientists and the public using scientific innovations. First, we show how we learned to use games and local analogies to effectively communicate probabilistic seasonal forecasts of weather and crop yields with farmers, extension workers, and water managers in Ethiopia. Second, we show how workshops—the unglamorous institutional workhorse of international development and scientific enterprises—became warmhearted events when organized around the fundamental fact of social connections between researchers and the community members and between the community members themselves. Scientists in an international scientific collaboration may not be able to become longstanding members of every community, but our approach to workshopping—and to research networks—allowed us to be engidoch (in English, guests), to tap into rich social ties to harness the humor, goodwill, and commitment that is hard to muster when scientists engage with community members as unconnected, nameless “workshop participants.”
On the Changes in Convection-Allowing WRF Forecasts of MCS Evolution due to Decreases in Model Horizontal and Vertical Grid Spacing. Part II: Impacts on QPFs
Authors: Squitieri Brian J. , Jr. William A. Gallus
Published: August 2022

Several past studies have demonstrated improvement in forecasting convective precipitation by decreasing model grid spacing to the point of explicitly resolving deep convection. Real-case convective modeling studies have attempted to identify what model grid spacing feasibly provides the most optimal forecast given computational constraints. While Part I of this manuscript investigated changes in MCS cold pool characteristics with varied vertical and horizontal grid spacing, Part II explores changes in skill for MCS spatial placement, forward speed, and QPFs among runs with decreased horizontal and vertical grid spacing by employing the same WRF-ARW runs as in Part I. QPF forecast skill significantly improved for later portions of the MCS life cycle when decreasing horizontal grid spacing from 3 to 1 km with the part double-moment Thompson microphysics scheme. Some improvements were present in QPFs with higher precipitation amounts in the early stages of MCSs simulated with the single-moment WSM6 microphysics scheme. However, significant improvements were not common with MCS placement or QPF of the entire precipitation swath with either the Thompson or WSM6 schemes, suggesting that the benefit to MCS QPFs with decreased horizontal grid spacings is limited. Furthermore, increasing vertical resolution from 50 to 100 levels worsened WSM6 scheme QPF skill in some cases, suggesting that choices of or improvement in model physics may be equally or more positively impactful to NWP forecasts than grid spacing changes.
Noise reduction method of shearer’s cutting sound signal under strong background noise
Authors: Li Changpeng , Peng Tianhao , Zhu Yanmin , Lu Shuqun
Published: August 2022

In coal and rock recognition technology, the acquisition of sound signals is affected by background noise. It is challenging to extract cutting features and accurately identify cutting patterns effectively. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach for combined noise reduction of the cutting sound signal based on the improved adaptive noise complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (ICEEMDAN) and a singular value decomposition (SVD). First, the method used the ICEEMDAN method to decompose the noisy signal into several intrinsic mode functions (IMF). It calculated the correlation coefficient between the IMF component and the noisy signal and then selected the noisy IMF components based on the threshold formula. Meanwhile, this method constructed a Hankel matrix of the noisy IMF component signals. It used SVD technology to obtain the singular values. According to the singular value standard energy spectrum curve, the paper determined the order of the effective singular value and removed the noise component in the signal. Then, the denoised IMF and noiseless IMF components are superimposed and reconstructed to obtain the noise-reduced cutting sound signal. Finally, it applied simulation signal and simulated shearer cutting experiment to verify the performance of the method. The results show that the proposed method can effectively remove the influence of background noise in the signal and retain the characteristic frequencies of the original cutting sound signal. Compared with traditional noise reduction methods, the ICEEMDAN-SVD combined noise reduction method performs better in noise reduction evaluation standards of signal-noise ratio and root mean square error. It achieved a better noise reduction effect, which could help coal and rock recognition technology based on sound signals.
Parametric design of reduced-order functional observers for linear time-varying delay systems
Authors: Gu Da-Ke , Wang Shuo , Liu Quan-Zhi , Zhao Jun
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the design of reduced-order functional observer for linear time-invariant systems (LTI) with time-varying delay. Firstly, the sufficient condition for the existence of reduced-order delay-free functional observers is obtained. Secondly, by solving generalized Sylvester matrix equations (GSEs), completely parameterized formulas of the coefficient matrices of reduced-order function observer are established. The free parameter matrices in the formulas provide the design degrees of the freedom and improve the convergence rate of the error system. Finally, two numerical and a practical examples are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Challenges faced when living with schizophrenia in the community: A narrative inquiry
Authors: Gong Jin Wei , Luo Dan , Liu Wen Jia , Zhang Juan , Chen Zi Ru , Wang Qin-Yu , Yang Xin Yi , Yang Bing Xiang , Huang Hai-Shan , Wang Xiao Qin
Published: August 2022

Background:

Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder. People with schizophrenia have transferred from hospital-based care to community-based care with the support of mental health legal policies. Challenges faced in the community should be emphasized. Limited qualitative studies have explored the challenges of living with schizophrenia.

Aims:

To explore the challenges of people living with schizophrenia in the community.

Methods:

A narrative method was used, including semi-structured, face-to-face interviews. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze data.

Results:

Ten clients and their family members participated in the study. Analysis revealed three main themes related to their challenges in the community: deficits in self-management of illness; insufficient community mental health care; and the influence of policy. These challenges prevent those with schizophrenia from effectively managing their illness, returning to a productive role in society, and improving their quality of life.

Conclusions:

There are challenges in mental health rehabilitation and social reintegration of individuals with schizophrenia. There is a need for continuous community mental rehabilitation services, appropriate policy support, and the need to educate the public to reduce social bias and discrimination which allows individuals with schizophrenia to assume a productive role in the community.
Enacting Leadership Legitimacy under Terms of Limited Formal and Informal Power in a Heterarchical Network of Organizations
Authors: Schumacher Thomas , Krautzberger Marc , Wörner Marcus
Published: August 2022

Previous research provides important insights into leadership in inter-organizational networks but says little about how organizations can establish themselves as leaders in heterarchical networks where power is decentralized. We draw on a longitudinal single case study of a German banking cooperative and develop a process model explaining how an organization can create and sustain leadership legitimacy under terms of limited formal and informal power in a heterarchical network. The model advances the understanding of leadership legitimacy in organizational networks in different ways and suggests a new understanding of leadership enacted by formal and informal leaders.
The Effects of Economic Sanctions on Foreign Asset Expropriation
Authors: Lee Hoon , Lektzian David , Biglaiser Glen
Published: August 2022

Studies suggest that home countries impose economic sanctions following host state expropriation of home firms. However, and not addressed in the empirical literature, is the possibility that sanctions lead targeted countries to nationalize firms from sender countries. Using bilateral expropriation data from 1985 to 2010, and controlling for endogeneity issues, we find that sanctions significantly increase expropriation risk, encouraging targeted states to inflict pain in a reciprocal manner on sender countries. Expropriations also enable targeted nations to acquire economic assets from foreign firms, undermining the restricting goals of sanctioning states, and provide opportunities for leaders to show political resolve at home by standing up to senders. Our results are robust using monadic or dyadic data and different statistical methods, indicating another sanction-busting strategy used by targeted countries.
Emulating the “pucker factor”: Faith, fidelity and flight simulation in Australia, 1936–58
Authors: Hobbins Peter
Published: August 2022

In the two decades after 1936, the assessment and instruction of aviators was transformed by adopting synthetic training aids. These devices were typified by the Link Trainer, an ersatz aeroplane that taught basic piloting skills and instrument flying. Purchased both by Australian civil operators and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Link Trainer use proliferated from 1939. After 1945, an escalating accident rate led the RAAF to consider an emergent technology: flight simulators. Developed in the UK and USA, Dehmel-style flight simulators were powered by analogue computers to emulate specific aircraft types. Drawing upon Korean War experience and Canadian precedents, in 1956 the RAAF took delivery of Australia's first flight simulator, Redifon's model C.773 for the Avon Sabre fighter. Integrating both military and civilian experience, this article argues that western faith in flight simulators often ran ahead of their capabilities and fidelity to ‘seat of the pants’ flying.
From the eagle’s nest: Texas sheriffs’ views on illegal immigration
Authors: Meitl Michele Bisaccia , Wellman Ashley , Kinkaid Patrick
Published: August 2022

Local elected sheriffs increasingly have responsibility to implement immigration policies, yet sheriffs are rarely studied in criminal justice. By measuring the attitudes of Texas sheriffs, we seek to understand their important views on immigration in the United States. A census was completed with Texas sheriffs in late 2019 and early 2020. Views were sought on (1) controlling unauthorized immigration, (2) pathways to citizenship, and (3) unauthorized immigration and crime. A strong return rate captured the views of 142 (56%) respondent sheriffs from both rural and urban counties. Findings indicate that a majority of Texas sheriffs see a link between authorized immigrants and crime, see a limited path to citizenship and view the primary enforcement of immigration to be a federal prerogative. Practical implications and future research are discussed.
Predictors of Procrastination in a Moderated Mediation Analysis: The Roles of Problematic Smartphone Use, Psychological Flexibility, and Gender
Authors: Aydın Yasin , Aydın Gökçen
Published: August 2022

Research has revealed that problematic smartphone use is a cause of procrastination. This study investigated the predictive role of problematic smartphone use on procrastination with consideration of the mediating effect of psychological flexibility. The moderating role of gender in the frequency of checking smartphones was also tested in this mediational model. Of total, 471 undergraduate students (369 female, 102 male) with a mean age of 20.65 participated in the study. The study was conducted face to face in classroom settings, and the results of the analysis revealed that psychological flexibility indeed affected the relationship between problematic smart phone use and procrastination. In addition, moderated mediation analysis suggested that female university students were significantly impacted. Finally, it was observed that psychological flexibility played a significant role amongst the female university students surveyed in the relationship between problematic smart phone use and procrastination.
Teaching Word Problem Solving to Students With Autism and Intellectual Disability
Authors: Root Jenny R. , Saunders Alicia , Cox Sarah K. , Gilley Deidre , Clausen Amy
Published: August 2022

Word problem solving is the premise for students to generalize their problem solving skills to real world problems. This includes students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and intellectual disability (ID). Modified Schema-based Instruction (MSBI) is one strategy that research has shown is effective for teaching students with ASD/ID to acquire and generalize problem solving skills. The key word strategy is an ineffective strategy for teaching students to problem solve, especially since problems in everyday life do not contain key words. This article provided a practitioner friendly 7-step strategy for implementing MSBI with learners who have ASD/ID
Nasopharyngeal Metastasis from Breast Carcinoma: A Case Report and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Sellami Moncef , Kallel Souha , Ben Ayed Mariam , Mellouli Manel , Boudawara Tahya Sellami , Mnejja Malek , Hammami Bouthaina , Achour Imen , Charfeddine Ilhem
Published: August 2022

Metastasis to the nasopharynx is a rare clinical entity. Breast carcinoma is one of the primary tumors that can be responsible for a nasopharyngeal metastasis, which is an extremely rare occurrence. We report the case of a 50-year-old woman with a history of a confirmed breast carcinoma under chemotherapy who presented to our department with a unilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. Nasal endoscopy revealed a small bulging mass at the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. The biopsy of the lesion showed an infiltration of the nasopharyngeal mucosa by a mammary adenocarcinoma that was positive for estrogen and progesterone receptors and negative for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Computed tomography scan revealed a thickening of the nasopharyngeal mucosa, a pleural and pericardial effusion and diffused secondary bone lesions. The patient received chemotherapy. Control revealed a partial regression of the nasopharyngeal mass. The patient is still under chemotherapy.
Comparing holistic and analytic marking methods in assessing speech act production in L2 Chinese
Authors: Li Shuai , Wen Ting , Li Xian , Feng Yali , Lin Chuan
Published: August 2022

This study compared holistic and analytic marking methods for their effects on parameter estimation (of examinees, raters, and items) and rater cognition in assessing speech act production in L2 Chinese. Seventy American learners of Chinese completed an oral Discourse Completion Test assessing requests and refusals. Four first-language (L1) Chinese raters evaluated the examinees’ oral productions using two four-point rating scales. The holistic scale simultaneously included the following five dimensions: communicative function, prosody, fluency, appropriateness, and grammaticality; the analytic scale included sub-scales to examine each of the five dimensions. The raters scored the dataset twice with the two marking methods, respectively, and with counterbalanced order. They also verbalized their scoring rationale after performing each rating. Results revealed that both marking methods led to high reliability and produced scores with high correlation; however, analytic marking possessed better assessment quality in terms of higher reliability and measurement precision, higher percentages of Rasch model fit for examinees and items, and more balanced reference to rating criteria among raters during the scoring process.
Incorporating Video Feedback Within a Parent-Implemented Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Intervention Package Via Telepractice
Authors: Ousley Ciara L. , Raulston Tracy J. , Gilhuber Christina S.
Published: August 2022

Delays in communication are commonly experienced by young children who are not meeting developmental milestones. Early naturalistic developmental behavioral interventions are efficacious, and parents can successfully embed these communication strategies into playtime routines, including when coaching is delivered via telepractice. Video feedback is a strength-based coaching method that has been successfully applied to increase positive parenting behaviors (e.g., descriptive praise, responsivity). However, limited research exists on the use of video feedback as a coaching tool for parents of children with developmental delays for communication interventions. We evaluated the effects of a telepractice-based parent training followed by joint reflections and video feedback coaching on parent strategy use and child communication targets, using a concurrent multiple-baseline across three parent–child dyads design. Parent perceptions of the feasibility and appropriateness of the intervention were positive. We discuss implications and provide suggestions for future research and practice.
Microglia: Active participants in brain capillary function
Authors: Dufort Connor , Wang Yangfan , Hu Xiaoming
Published: August 2022

A recent study by Bisht, Okojie, and Sharma, et al. characterizes a population of capillary-associated microglia (CAM) whose cell bodies are positioned along small blood vessels in the healthy mouse brain. Through elegant, longitudinal intravital imaging of brain vasculature and CAMs, the authors have uncovered the significance of microglia in cerebral blood flow regulation. Further investigation into the functions of this CAM population and how they interact with surrounding cells within the neurovascular unit will improve our understanding of vascular regulation and cerebrovascular diseases.
Adherence to Antiretroviral Medications Among People Living With HIV in the Era of COVID-19 in Central Ethiopia and Perceived Impact of the Pandemic
Authors: Shimels Tariku , Kassu Rodas A. , Bogale Gelila , Bekele Mahteme , Getnet Melsew , Getachew Abrham , Shewamene Zewdneh , Abraha Mebratu
Published: August 2022

Aim:

This study assessed the level of adherence to antiretroviral drugs and the associated factors among clients who have a follow-up at public health facilities in central Ethiopia.

Method:

A multi-site cross-sectional study was conducted from August 1–30, 2020 at seven public health institutions. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit 385 participants. Data was collected using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics, and binary logistic regression model. The OR with its 95% C.I was employed to present analytic outputs. Statistical significance for the multivariable model was considered at p ≤ 0.05.

Results:

Of the 371 participants, the majority were females (233, 62.8%), attended health centers (215, 58.0%), and were married (173, 46.6%). Eighty-nine (89, 24.0%) of the participants have at least one comorbidity. About 72 (19.0%) and 50 (13.5%) of the respondents stated that the COVID-19 has posed challenges on their follow-ups and availability of medications respectively. Nearly a half of the people living with HIV and comorbid T2DM or hypertension (29, 48.0%) reported that they had encountered an increase in the price of medications compared to the pre-COVID-19 times. About half of the respondents in the study setting have perfect adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) (200, 54.0%). Basic education (aOR = 3.02: 95% CI: 1.57–5.80), marriage (aOR = 2.27: 95% CI: 1.24–4.15), attendance to a health center (aOR = 0.59: 95% CI: 0.36–0.98) and sleep disturbance (aOR = 0.47: 95% CI: 0.26–0.84) showed a statistically significant association with adherence to ART.

Conclusion:

About half of the respondents in the study settings have perfect adherence to their ART medications. As multiple factors interplay in the success rate of adherence to ART, stakeholders should place and strengthen practices, such as active follow-up and tracing of cases, ensuring medication affordability (access and low pricing), and psycho-social support to patients.
P.C. Chang and the Quest for a Global Ethic
Authors: Roth Hans Ingvar
Published: August 2022

This essay aims to describe and analyse the important contributions of the Chinese philosopher and diplomat P.C. Chang concerning the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (the UDHR). After a brief biographical sketch, Chang's main contributions will be presented and discussed. A study of Chang's contributions in this context may also highlight the ethical potential of the UDHR and its great relevance to global ethics and world politics today.
Rural-Urban Differences in the Associations Between Aging and Disability Services and COVID-19 Vaccination Rates Among Older Adults
Authors: Sun Yue , Rhubart Danielle C.
Published: August 2022

Aging services were poised to play an important role in supporting the COVID-19 vaccination rollout for older adults. In this study, we use ordinary least squares regression models of county-level data ( N = 3086) to examine if density of aging and disability services is associated with COVID-19 vaccination rates for older adults in rural and urban areas of the United States. We find that net of compositional characteristics, county-level density of aging and disability services is associated with higher older adult vaccination rates. However, in the rural-urban stratified models, this only remained consistently true for rural counties. Given higher risk of COVID-19 mortality for older adults and larger relative shares of older adults in rural areas, rural counties with low vaccination rates should invest in supporting and/or expanding older adult services to facilitate vaccination.
Special issue on intelligent computing and communication in industrial internet of things
Authors: Vijayakumar K
Published: August 2022

The proposed special issue focuses on collecting the research articles on recent advancements in the research domains, like intelligent computing, communication and IIoT applications. The selected articles in this issue are closely related to the theme of the special issue. It provides a cutting edge research works from a set of carefully selected researchers. This editorial presents the outline of the research articles associated with the special issue.