bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatiotemporal Coupling Coordination Analysis of Social Economy and Resource Environment of Central Cities in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Li Huimin , Jiang Zanmei , Dong Guanghua , Wang Lunyan , Huang Xin , Gu Xiang , Guo Yinju
Published: April 2021

With the rapid economic and social development and accelerated urbanization, the negative ecological impact of major river basins worldwide has been deepening, which is gradually threatening the sustainable development of cities. This study establishes the model of the coupling coordination relationship between social economy and resources environment of nine central cities in the Yellow River Basin. Based on the evaluation index system of social economy and resource environment, we quantitatively measure the coupling coordination degree and spatiotemporal pattern of the nine central cities from 2010 to 2017. The obstacle factors of coupling coordination were then diagnosed based on the obstacle degree model. The results showed that (1) the social economy and resources environment development indices of the nine central cities in the Yellow River Basin, as well as the coupling coordination of each central city, showed an overall upward trend from 2010 to 2017. (2) Most of the central cities in the Yellow River Basin were in the coordinated coupling stage, among which Xining and Lanzhou have the highest coupling degree. (3) The obstacle factors affecting the harmonious development coupling coordination of the nine central cities were natural growth rate of population, proportion of tertiary industry in GDP and per capita investment in fixed assets in social economy system, and per capita green area of parks, per capita total amount of water resources, and per capita industrial SO2 emissions in resources environment system. It is necessary to adopt different strategies for different cities to promote the coupling coordination development of urban social economy and resources environment in the Yellow River Basin.
The Study of the Spatial Heterogeneity and Structural Evolution of the Producer Services Trade Network
Authors: Li Yan , Liang Xuehan , Huang Qingbo
Published: April 2021

Constructing an all‐directional, multilevel, and composite interconnection network, accelerating the free flow of producer services elements across regions, and further improving the efficiency of resource integration demand to conduct a comprehensive and systematic analysis of producer services trade. Thus, using bilateral trade data, this paper builds producer services trade network composed of 61 major countries and innovatively combines the methods of social network and economic geography to explore its spatiotemporal evolution and system properties. The results show that, firstly, the producer services trade network has spatial heterogeneity, which is characterized by high‐value agglomerations in Western Europe and East Asia, and low‐value agglomerations in Southern Europe and Southeast Asia. Secondly, most countries tend to choose trading partners with close geographical locations or common cultures to establish a cohesive subgroup. Thirdly, the producer services trade network has a significant core‐periphery structure, the “spaghetti bowl” effect, which leads to a downward trend in the number of core and semi‐peripheral countries. Finally, the trade agreement relations, language relations, and differences in economy, geography, institution, and technology all have a significant impact on the evolution of producer services trade network, but this change has little relationship with the population size divergences of different countries.
Effect of Streblus asper Leaf Extract on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Zebrafish: The Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Singsai Kanathip , Ladpala Natthanicha , Dangja Natthan , Boonchuen Thanyaret , Jaikhamfu Niracha , Fakthong Pirinyapat
Published: April 2021

Streblus asper (SA) is well known as a folk medicinal plant in Asian countries. The effect of SA extract on preventing memory impairment in zebrafish induced by scopolamine was investigated. Male zebrafish, Danio rerio, were divided into 6 groups including the control, scopolamine 200 μM (SCO), scopolamine plus rivastigmine 1.5 mg/kg (RV + SCO), and scopolamine plus SA extract at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg (SA200 + SCO, S400 + SCO, and SA800 + SCO), respectively. Spatial memory was evaluated by the colour-biased appetite conditioning T-maze test, while fear memory was measured by the inhibitory avoidance test. In the spatial memory test, results showed that the RV + SCO group had the best time spent ratio in the T-maze, followed by SA800 + SCO, SA400 + SCO, SA200 + SCO, control, and SCO group, respectively, but with no statistical significance. For the fear memory test, zebrafish that received SA at doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg had significantly increased latency time as 21.75 ± 4.59, 23.75 ± 13.01, and 18.20 ± 18.84 min, respectively, when compared to the SCO group (9.80 ± 10.45 min). These results suggested that SA extract attenuated memory impairment in an inhibitory avoidance test related to fear memory. Our findings can be useful for further research to develop SA extract as a health product to ameliorate the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.
Equivalent Characterization on Besov Space
Authors: He Cong , Chen Jingchun
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we give an equivalent characterization of the Besov space. This reveals the equivalent relation between the mixed derivative norm and single-variable norm. Fourier multiplier, real interpolation, and Littlewood-Paley decomposition are applied.
Needs and Self-Care Efficacy for Cancer Patients Suffering from Side Effects of Chemotherapy
Authors: Abu El-Kass Sae'd , Ragheb Marwa M. , Hamed Safaa' M. , Turkman Anas M. , Zaki Azhar T.
Published: April 2021

Background and Aim. Cancer is the leading cause of death in economically developed countries and is a threat to human lives. Cancer and chemotherapy side effects may affect the daily activity of cancer patients and their families on many levels confronted by changes in health status and lifestyles, leading to impaired self-care efficacy. Objective. To assess the needs and self-care efficacy for cancer patients suffering from side effects of chemotherapy. A descriptive cross-sectional design was conducted. A purposive sample of 150 adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy during the period from January to June 2020 was studied at the Oncology Outpatients Clinic at Al Rantisi Hospital in Gaza Strip. Tools. Tools of the study involved the following: structure interviewing questionnaire, patient assessment needs’ tool, and self-care activity for side effects of chemotherapy; Part I: assessment of self-care efficacy and Part II: assessment of physical, psychological, social, and spiritual needs of patients and activity of daily living. The findings of this study indicated that, concerning the duration of illness, 44.5% of studied patients started complaining of symptoms of cancer for about two years, and more than one-third of them, 69.3%, started chemotherapy more than one year ago. More than half of the studied patients, 55.3%, had poor knowledge about cancer, side effects of chemotherapy, how to manage these side effects, and level of self-care efficacy. The majority of studied subjects, 87.3%, had a financial burden, and nearly two-thirds of patients, 61.3%, need reassurance to cope with illness. There was high statistical significance between self-care efficacy and daily living activity. Regarding physical problem, the most affected systems were the gastrointestinal and the dermatological system. Also, the majority of patients were independent in walking, dressing, toileting, and feeding, but more than two-thirds of them needed assistance toward the ability to handle finance, shopping, housekeeping, food preparation, and travelling.
[Retracted] Optimization of the Marketing Management System Based on Cloud Computing and Big Data
Authors: Zhang Lin
Published: April 2021

With the rapid development of the Internet information age, social networks, mobile Internet, and e‐commerce have expanded the scope of Internet applications. The “big data” era is a challenge and chance for companies and has a great impact on social economy, politics, culture, and people’s lives. An accurate marketing system is developed based on J2EE, and the architecture is selected from the user layer, business logic layer, and data layer and the B/S3 layer application (three‐tier application), including three layers of crip‐dm and semma. And, other process methods are used. Data‐mining‐based marketing system information solutions consist of several parts, such as requirement analysis, design, implementation, and testing. This paper introduces data mining technology to the marketing business based on the practical use and design IT solutions for precision marketing, attribute selection tools, attribute analysis tools, modeling prediction tools, and others. This paper introduces a precision marketing system based on data mining technology. The system passes the actual test and the deployment and the operation of this system are confirmed. The system, which can improve marketing activity, is tested, and the development and operation of this system markedly increase the company’s earnings.
Does Intellectual Capital Investment Improve Financial Competitiveness and Green Innovation Performance? Evidence from Renewable Energy Companies in China
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yu Qi , Zhang Liang , Xu Jian , Jin Zhenji
Published: April 2021

This paper aims to investigate the impact of intellectual capital (IC) and its components on financial competitiveness and green innovation performance. The data are collected from renewable energy companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges during 2013–2018. The modified Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (MVAIC) model is applied as a proxy for IC efficiency, an index system is constructed to systematically measure financial competitiveness, and green innovation performance is measured by the total number of green patents, the number of green invention patents, and the number of green noninvention patents. The empirical results show that IC has an inverted U-shaped relationship with financial competitiveness and no impact on green innovation performance. Regarding IC components, human capital (HC), structural capital, and relational capital positively affect financial competitiveness. HC has a negative impact on green patents, while innovation capital has a positive impact on green invention patents. Physical capital is the main driving force of green innovation performance. This study will help managers to reasonably manage their IC resources to strengthen financial competitiveness and achieve green development.
[Retracted] Emergency Scheduling Optimization Simulation of Cloud Computing Platform Network Public Resources
Authors: Liu Dingrong , Yao Zhigang , Chen Liukui
Published: April 2021

Emergency scheduling of public resources on the cloud computing platform network can effectively improve the network emergency rescue capability of the cloud computing platform. To schedule the network common resources, it is necessary to generate the initial population through the Hamming distance constraint and improve the objective function as the fitness function to complete the emergency scheduling of the network common resources. The traditional method, from the perspective of public resource fairness and priority mapping, uses incremental optimization algorithm to realize emergency scheduling of public resources, neglecting the improvement process of the objective function, which leads to unsatisfactory scheduling effect. An emergency scheduling method of cloud computing platform network public resources based on genetic algorithm is proposed. With emergency public resource scheduling time cost and transportation cost minimizing target, initial population by Hamming distance constraints, emergency scheduling model, and the corresponding objective function improvement as the fitness function, the genetic algorithm to individual selection and crossover and mutation probability were optimized and complete the public emergency resources scheduling. Experimental results show that the proposed method can effectively improve the efficiency of emergency resource scheduling, and the reliability of emergency scheduling is better.
An Accelerated Proximal Algorithm for the Difference of Convex Programming
Authors: Shen Feichao , Zhang Ying , Wang Xueyong
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we propose an accelerated proximal point algorithm for the difference of convex (DC) optimization problem by combining the extrapolation technique with the proximal difference of convex algorithm. By making full use of the special structure of DC decomposition and the information of stepsize, we prove that the proposed algorithm converges at rate of

O

1
/

k

2

under milder conditions. The given numerical experiments show the superiority of the proposed algorithm to some existing algorithms.
In Like a Lamb; Out Like a Lion: Marching CAR T Cells Toward Enhanced Efficacy in B-ALL
Authors: Safarzadeh Kozani Pouya , Safarzadeh Kozani Pooria , O'Connor Roddy S.
Published: April 2021

Combining synthetic biology with adoptive T-cell transfer has led to promising advances in the treatment of relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are synthetic receptors that redirect T-cell specificity against cancer. CARs include “built-in” signaling domains that reprogram T-cell metabolism, enhance effector function, and support long-term persistence. Despite their success in blood-based malignancies, relapse can occur in CD19-redirected CAR T-cell therapies for several reasons, including poor engraftment, impaired in vivo proliferation, and T-cell senescence. Herein, we explain how subtle alterations in CAR design may overcome barriers to effective adoptive immunotherapy. We also discuss how the physiochemical properties of the single-chain variable fragment (scFv) affect differentiation and persistence. Moreover, we describe innovative advances in CAR engineering and provide insight into the development of humanized scFvs whose proposed benefits include increased persistence and improved clinical outcomes. Tumor cells can evade CAR T-cell–mediated detection and elimination due to the emergence or presence of CD19-negative leukemic cell subpopulations. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges in targeting other B-ALL–associated antigens. Identifying alternate targets is fundamentally necessary to restore the success of CAR T-cell therapies in CD19-negative patients with B-ALL.
The Prevalence and Management of Saliva Problems in Motor Neuron Disease: A 4-Year Analysis of the Scottish Motor Neuron Disease Register
Authors: Pearson Iona , Glasmacher Stella A. , Newton Judith , Beswick Emily , Mehta Arpan R. , Davenport Richard , Chandran Siddharthan , Pal Suvankar ,   CARE-MND consortium
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Saliva problems are common and distressing for people with motor neuron disease (pwMND). Despite clinical guidelines for assessment and treatment, management of saliva problems has received little research attention. Objective: We aimed to investigate the prevalence of saliva problems in pwMND, their association with clinical factors, and their management practice using a highly curated population-based register for motor neuron disease (MND) with 99% case ascertainment. Methods: We conducted an analysis of pwMND diagnosed between January 2015 and October 2019 using the Scottish MND Register (CARE-MND [Clinical, Audit, Research, and Evaluation of MND]). The association between clinical factors and saliva problems was investigated using univariate and multivariable logistic regression; results are reported as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. A survey of health-care professionals involved in the care of pwMND was performed to contextualize the findings. Results: 939 pwMND were included. Prevalence of saliva problems was 31.3% (294). Bulbar onset (OR 9.46 [4.7, 19.2]; p < 0.001) but not age, sex, time to diagnosis, or MND subtype were independently associated with the presence of saliva problems in multivariable regression, and 52.7% (155) of those with saliva problems received pharmacological management. The most commonly used medications were hyoscine, amitriptyline, carbocisteine, glycopyrrolate, and atropine. Evidence base (8, 72.7%) and local guidelines (10, 90.9%) were cited as the most important factors influencing treatment decision by survey respondents (n = 11). Conclusion: Saliva problems are common and associated with bulbar onset MND. A substantial proportion of pwMND with saliva problems did not receive recommended treatments. Future research is required to determine the relative efficacy of individual pharmacological treatments.
Postoperative Rise of Circulating Mitochondrial DNA Is Associated with Inflammatory Response in Patients following Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Pencovich Niv , Nevo Nadav , Weiser Roi , Bonder Ekaterina , Bogoch Yoel , Nachmany Ido
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Accumulation of plasma mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) following severe trauma has been shown to correlate with the development of systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and may predict mortality. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between levels of circulatory mtDNA following pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and the postoperative course. Methods: Levels of plasma mtDNA were assessed by real-time PCR of the mitochondrial genes ND1 and COX3 in 23 consecutive patients who underwent PD 1 day prior to surgery, within 8 h after surgery, and on postoperative day (POD)1 and POD5. The abundance of mtDNA was assessed relative to preoperative levels and in relation to parameters reflecting the postoperative clinical course. Results: When pooled for all patients, the circulating mtDNA levels were significantly increased after surgery. However, while a significant (at least >2-fold and up to >20-fold) rise was noted in 11 patients, no change in mtDNA levels was noted in the other 12 following surgery. Postoperative rise in circulating mtDNA was associated with an increased rate of postoperative fever until day 5, decreased hemoglobin and albumin levels, and increased white blood cell counts. These patients also suffered from increased rates of delayed gastric emptying. No significant differences were demonstrated in other postoperative parameters. Conclusion: Circulating mtDNA surge is associated with an inflammatory response following PD and may potentially be used as an early marker for postoperative course. Studies of larger patient cohorts are warranted.
Comprehensive Pineapple Segmentation Techniques with Intelligent Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ahmed Nawawi Muhammad Azmi , Ismail Fatimah Sham , Selamat Hazlina
Published: April 2021

This paper proposes an intelligent segmentation technique for pineapple fruit using Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Cascade Object Detector (COD) method is used to detect the position of the pineapple from the captured image by returning the bounding box around the detecting pineapple. Image background such as ground, sky and other unwanted objects have been removed using Hue value, Adaptive Red and Blue Chromatic Map (ARB) and Normalized Difference Index (NDI) methods. However, the ARB and NDI methods are still producing misclassified error and the edge is not really smooth. In this case Template Matching Method (TMM) has been implemented for image enhancement process. Finally, an intelligent CNN is developed as a decision maker to select the best segmentation image ouput from ARB and NDI. The results obtained show that the proposed intelligent method has successfully verified the fruit from the background with high accuracy as compared to the conventional method.
First report of the fleshy mushroom Trichaleurina javanica (Rehm) M. Carbone et al. (Ascomycota: Pezizales: Chorioactidaceae) from southern India
Authors: Kumar Munuswamy , Nithya Sekar , Kayalvizhi Antony Agnes
Published: April 2021

Trichaleurina javanica was collected from tropical dry evergreen forests, located in the southeastern coastal belt of India. This is the first report of the species from southern India.  Trichaleurina javanica is a fleshy and rubbery cup-like mushroom, brownish-grey in colour with a brilliant yellowish-orange disc.  The identification is supported using morphological and microscopical characters.  It is one of the less known wild edible mushrooms belonging to Ascomycota.
Vasopressin Induces Urinary Uromodulin Secretion By Activating PKA (Protein Kinase A)
Authors: Nanamatsu Azuma , Mori Takayasu , Ando Fumiaki , Furusho Taisuke , Mandai Shintaro , Susa Koichiro , Sohara Eisei , Rai Tatemitsu , Uchida Shinichi
Published: April 2021

Urinary uromodulin, secreted by renal tubular cells, protects against urinary tract infections and kidney stones. In contrast, the intracellular accumulation of uromodulin is associated with hypertension and chronic kidney disease. However, the physiological stimuli for urinary uromodulin secretion remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that desmopressin, a vasopressin type 2 receptor agonist, dramatically increased short-term tubular uromodulin secretion in mice. Immunofluorescence studies and ultracentrifugation-based polymerization assay suggested that desmopressin induced intraluminal polymeric filaments of uromodulin, indicating physiologically functional secretion. As a result of increased excretion, uromodulin abundance in the murine kidney was clearly reduced by desmopressin. We investigated kidney epithelial cells stably expressing uromodulin to clarify the molecular mechanism. Apical uromodulin secretion was clearly increased in response to vasopressin/cAMP signaling, consistent with in vivo experiments. We also demonstrated that the response was dependent on epithelial cell polarity and cyclic AMP-dependent PKA (protein kinase A) signaling pathway. cAMP-mediated activation of proteases was suggested to be involved. In contrast, basolateral secretion of uromodulin was independent of cAMP signaling. Our work revealed vasopressin/cAMP/PKA signaling as a physiological stimulus of urinary uromodulin secretion. This finding may provide the basis for novel treatment strategies for urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and potentially hypertension and chronic kidney disease.
Premature Discontinuation of Dual Antiplatelet Therapy After Coronary Stenting in Veterans: Characteristics and Long‐Term Outcomes
Authors: Kinlay Scott , Quach Lien , Cormack Jean , Morgenstern Natalie , Hou Ying , Young Melissa , Sherrod Rebecca , Cho Kelly , Faxon David P. , Ramadan Ronnie , Gaziano Michael , Gagnon David
Published: April 2021

Background

Premature discontinuation of dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention is related to higher short‐term risks of adverse outcomes. Whether these risks persist in the long‐term is uncertain.

Methods and Results

We assessed all patients having percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary second‐ or first‐generation drug‐eluting stents in the Veterans Affairs healthcare system between 2006 and 2012 who were free of major ischemic or bleeding events in the first 12 months. The characteristics of patients who stopped DAPT prematurely (1–9 months duration), compared with >9 to 12 months, or extended duration (>12 months) were assessed by odds ratios (ORs) from multivariable logistic models. The risk of adverse clinical outcomes over a mean 5.1 years in patients who stopped DAPT prematurely was assessed by hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs from Cox regression models. A total of 14 239 had second‐generation drug‐eluting stents, and 8583 had first‐generation drug‐eluting stents. Premature discontinuation of DAPT was more likely in Black patients (OR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.40–1.68), patients with greater frailty (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.03–1.05), and patients with higher low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and less likely in patients on statins (OR, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.80–0.95). Patients who stopped DAPT prematurely had higher long‐term risks of death (second‐generation drug‐eluting stents: HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.19–1.56), myocardial infarction (second‐generation drug‐eluting stents: HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.22–1.74), and repeated coronary revascularization (second‐generation drug‐eluting stents: HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.08–1.41).

Conclusions

Patients who stop DAPT prematurely have features that reflect greater frailty, poorer medication use, and other social factors. They continue to have higher risks of major adverse outcomes over the long‐term and may require more intensive surveillance many years after percutaneous coronary intervention.
Recent Advances and Current Dilemmas in the Diagnosis and Management of Transthyretin Cardiac Amyloidosis
Authors: Addison Daniel , Slivnick Jeremy A. , Campbell Courtney M. , Vallakati Ajay , Jneid Hani , Schelbert Erik
Published: April 2021

Cardiac amyloidosis (CA) is an increasingly recognized cause of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden cardiac death. While CA was previously rapidly fatal, recent advances in diagnosis and treatment have significantly improved outcomes. Advances in cardiac imaging and biomarkers have critically improved the accuracy and efficiency with which CA is diagnosed, even allowing for the noninvasive diagnosis of transthyretin CA. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, technetium nuclear imaging, echocardiography, and blood‐based biomarkers have established important and complementary roles in the management and advancement of care. At the same time, the development of novel targeted amyloid therapies has allowed patients with CA to live longer and potentially achieve better quality of life. Still, despite this significant progress, there remain critical ongoing questions in the field. Accordingly, within this review we will highlight recent advances in cardiac imaging and therapeutics for CA, while focusing on key opportunities for further optimization of care and outcomes among this growing population. Specifically, we will discuss ongoing debates in the diagnosis of CA, including the interpretation of indeterminate cardiac imaging findings, the best technique to screen asymptomatic transthyretin amyloidosis gene mutation carriers for cardiac involvement, and the ideal method for monitoring response to CA treatment. We will additionally focus on recent advances in treatment for transthyretin amyloidosis‐CA, including a discussion of available agents as well as highlighting ongoing clinical trials. Together, these data will allow clinicians to emerge with a greater understanding of the present and future of diagnosis, management, and potentially enhanced outcomes in this rapidly advancing field.
A Tale of Two Rapidly Intensifying Supertyphoons: Hagibis (2019) and Haiyan (2013)
Authors: Lin I.-I. , Rogers Robert F. , Huang Hsiao-Ching , Liao Yi-Chun , Herndon Derrick , Yu Jin-Yi , Chang Ya-Ting , Zhang Jun A. , Patricola Christina M. , Pun Iam-Fei , Lien Chun-Chi
Published: April 2021

Devastating Japan in October 2019, Supertyphoon (STY) Hagibis was an important typhoon in the history of the Pacific. A striking feature of Hagibis was its explosive rapid intensification (RI). In 24 h, Hagibis intensified by 100 knots (kt; 1 kt ≈ 0.51 m s−1), making it one of the fastest-intensifying typhoons ever observed. After RI, Hagibis’s intensification stalled. Using the current typhoon intensity record holder, i.e., STY Haiyan (2013), as a benchmark, this work explores the intensity evolution differences of these two high-impact STYs. We found that the extremely high prestorm sea surface temperature reaching 30.5°C, deep/warm prestorm ocean heat content reaching 160 kJ cm−2, fast forward storm motion of ∼8 m s−1, small during-storm ocean cooling effect of ∼0.5°C, significant thunderstorm activity at its center, and rapid eyewall contraction were all important contributors to Hagibis’s impressive intensification. There was 36% more air–sea flux for Hagibis’s RI than for Haiyan’s. After its spectacular RI, Hagibis’s intensification stopped, despite favorable environments. Haiyan, by contrast, continued to intensify, reaching its record-breaking intensity of 170 kt. A key finding here is the multiple pathways that storm size affected the intensity evolution for both typhoons. After RI, Hagibis experienced a major size expansion, becoming the largest typhoon on record in the Pacific. This size enlargement, combined with a reduction in storm translational speed, induced stronger ocean cooling that reduced ocean flux and hindered intensification. The large storm size also contributed to slower eyewall replacement cycles (ERCs), which prolonged the negative impact of the ERC on intensification.
Quality of service analysis of video streaming in fourth generation-Long Term Evolution for telemedicine applications: An experimental learning with game theory approach
Authors: B Panjavarnam , PTV Bhuvaneswari
Published: April 2021

Wireless technologies have become the model for Entertainment, Communication and Education all over the world. Electrical and Electronics Engineering Departments of various Universities across the globe offer courses on Wireless Communication and Networks for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students by focusing on the latest teaching pedagogy. Recent advancements in health care services demand reliable transmission of medical images and videos for better diagnosis and treatment. The effective utilization of available spectrum is one of the requirements for stable transmission of medical information. A Long Term Evolution (LTE) system model for a real-time multimedia application must provide high Quality of Service (QoS). Scheduling and allocating resources for real-time downlink flows in LTE networks is a challenging issue, as the network excellence and assured output have to be confirmed together with decreasing the Head of Line (HOL) suspension. The ever increasing demand for higher data rates in uplink and downlink transmission services constraints on delay and bandwidth requirements. This leads the existing fourth generation LTE wireless networks to concentrate more on the resource scheduling techniques with acceptable levels of Quality of Service (QoS). In this paper, a Game theory based scheduling (GTBS) and resource allocation Algorithm multimedia traffic in LTE network is designed and studied. The Algorithm is simulated in LTE-sim for real time (RT) and Non-real time (NRT) data traffic. The work identified a new teaching pedagogy, the work is explained to the undergraduate Engineering students so that they can apply the knowledge to develop new innovative projects.
Effects of Payment on User Engagement in Online Courses
Authors: Goli Ali , Chintagunta Pradeep K. , Sriram S.
Published: April 2021

Massive open online courses (MOOCs) have the potential to democratize education by improving access. Although retention and completion rates for nonpaying users have not been promising, these statistics are much brighter for users who pay to receive a certificate upon completing the course. We investigate whether paying for the certificate option can increase engagement with course content. In particular, we consider two effects: (1) the certificate effect, which is the boost in motivation to stay engaged to receive the certificate; and (2) the sunk-cost effect, which arises solely because the user paid for the course. We use data from over 70 courses offered on the Coursera platform and study the engagement of individual participants at different milestones within each course. The panel nature of the data enables us to include controls for intrinsic differences between nonpaying and paying users in terms of their desire to stay engaged. We find evidence that the certificate and sunk-cost effects increase user engagement by approximately 8%–9% and 17%–20%, respectively. Whereas the sunk-cost effect is transient and lasts for only a few weeks after payment, the certificate effect lasts until the participant reaches the grade required to be eligible to receive the certificate. We discuss the implications of our findings for how platforms and content creators may design course milestones and schedule payment of course fees. Given that greater engagement tends to improve learning outcomes, our study serves as an important first step in understanding the role of prices and payment in enabling MOOCs to realize their full potential.
How the arts can unlocka closed curriculum
Authors: Sikkema Scott , Lee Jenny , Spilberg Joseph , Dahn Maggie , Yankova Nickolina , Peppler Kylie
Published: April 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has surfaced educational inequities that pose unprecedented challenges for teaching and learning. Scott Sikkema, Jenny Lee, and Joseph Spilberg of Chicago Arts Partnerships in Education (CAPE) and Maggie Dahn, Nickolina Yankova, and Kylie Peppler of the University of California, Irvine, explain how the arts, which are often relegated to the margins of the curriculum, can help transform disruptions like those brought about by the shift to distance learning into unique opportunities to create more open and equitable learning models. They describe how CAPE’s open and inquiry-oriented approach to arts-based pedagogy enabled them to rethink teaching and learning in ways that changed the relationship between teachers and students and gave students more ownership of their learning.
First Person: The principal’s dream work
Authors: Pazur Sarah
Published: April 2021

Post-COVID, K-12 leaders will face pressure to return to familiar norms and structures. Sarah Pazur explains why it is especially urgent for them to evoke the power of poetry to imagine educational reform on the other side of this global pandemic. In this personal first-person narrative, she explains how poetry has affected her practice and describes how school leaders can use it to do the work of critical pedagogy, which requires leaders to imagine different possibilities for how schools can operate.
Paternal and Maternal Cognitive Engagement and Preschoolers’ Literacy Skills Across Six Ethnic Groups in Suriname
Authors: Dede Yildirim Elif , Roopnarine Jaipaul L.
Published: April 2021

Using propositions in cultural-ecological and maternal and paternal engagement models, this study utilized the 2018 UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys to examine which sociodemographic factors were associated with fathers’ and mothers’ cognitive engagement and the associations between parental and maternal cognitive engagement and preschoolers’ literacy skills in Amerindian, Maroon, Creole, Javanese, Hindustani, and Mixed-ethnic families in Suriname ( N = 1,008). After establishing measurement invariance in constructs across ethnic groups, analyses revealed few consistent sociodemographic predictors of paternal and maternal cognitive engagement. Patterns of associations between paternal and maternal cognitive engagement and children’s literacy skills were not uniform across ethnic groups. Data have implications for understanding mothers’ and fathers’ contributions to children’s early literacy skills development and for developing parenting intervention programs in Suriname.
Developmental goals during the transition to young adulthood
Authors: Yau Priscilla S. , Shane Jacob , Heckhausen Jutta
Published: April 2021

Adolescents navigate the transition into young adulthood through their pursuit of developmental goals. While societal expectations and institutions provide normed paths to adulthood by shaping decisions on goal identification, individuals take various routes to attain adult-status through different goal prioritization. Using longitudinal data from a U.S. sample of 1,088 adolescents (55.6% female; 25.3% Whites, 19.8% Asians, 30.4% Latinx, 12.6% Multiracial), we identified young adults’ major developmental goal and subgoal trajectories during the transition from adolescence to young adulthood. Participants nominated goals within a 5-year period starting from the final year of secondary school, and responses were categorized into major developmental goals. Results showed moderate goal stability over time. Although career and education goals were initially prioritized, they were less frequently nominated over time while relational and financial goals became more frequent. However, rank-order stability was retained. Findings also showed that individual differences in education and employment status, motivational factors, gender, and ethnicity predicted goal identification in young adulthood. Collectively, findings reveal both general trends and interindividual differences in goals that highlight the interplay between society and individual agency, ultimately leading to different paths taken during the transition to adulthood.
Managing and accessing indigenous knowledge for national development: The role of academic libraries in Ghana
Authors: Afful-Arthur Paulina , Kwafoa Paulina Nana Yaa , Ampah-Johnston Matilda , Mensah Vida
Published: April 2021

This paper is to examine the role academic libraries can play to organize and make indigenous knowledge accessible for national development. The target audience for the paper are academic librarians in Ghana, researchers of African studies in Ghana and other stakeholders. This is a qualitative study with data from interviews with the librarians and a desk-top literature review. Academic librarians in Ghana recognize the importance of indigenous knowledge organization, but little has been done by way of research. Most academic libraries in Ghana have the basic resources to manage indigenous knowledge. Academic librarians need to be proactive in their collaborative efforts to manage indigenous knowledge. Academic librarians in Ghana should be proactive towards effective management of indigenous knowledge, for easy accessibility. Again, academic libraries need to be well resourced to manage indigenous knowledge. Finally, academic libraries need to create awareness about the importance of indigenous knowledge using different media platforms to all stakeholders.
Information communication technology acceptance and usage in the microfinance sector: The perspective of least developed countries
Authors: Homaid Abdo Ali
Published: April 2021

This study aims to identify the determinants that influence the acceptance and usage of ICT among microfinance employees in the least-developed countries. It extended the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) model with the inclusion of Innovativeness (IN) from the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory. The quantitative approach was adopted, with a survey questionnaire distributed online to microfinance employees in Yemen, completed by 195 respondents. Both measurement and structural data analyses were employed through Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), using Smart PLS software. The results show that the UTAUT variables Performance Expectancy (PE), Effort Expectancy (EE), Facilitating Conditions (FC) and IN were significant predictors of Behavioural Intention (BI) to accept and use ICT by microfinance employees, but not Social Influence (SI). The results also reveal that the most significant factors affecting BI were EE followed by PE, IN and FC respectively; BI was the most significant factor affecting Use Behaviour (UB) of ICT among the tested relationships in the study model. Significantly, the results show that IN was a crucial factor as it significantly affected PE, EE and BI to use ICT. The outcomes of the study will assist decision makers to make appropriate interventions for the effective use of ICT by employees in a flourishing and infant industry like microfinance. Consequently, it will help in eradicating and eliminating poverty, a global issue.
Connecting industries to research outputs: The role of academic libraries
Authors: Cobblah Mac-Anthony , Afful-Arthur Paulina , Filson Christopher K. , Tachie-Donkor Gloria , Martin-Yeboah Ebenezer , Atuase Diana , Amoah Gloria Bosomtwi , Imoro Osman , Armah Nesba Yaa Anima Adzobu , Nunekpeku Paul
Published: April 2021

This study sought to explore the role academic libraries can play in connecting industries to research outputs emanating from universities and research institutions in Ghana. This study adopted the explanatory sequential mixed methods design. Purposive and disproportionate stratified sampling were used to select a sample size of 196, which included researchers, academic librarians and industrialists. The response rate was 78%. Data was collected through a semi-structured interview guide and questionnaire. Narrative analysis of qualitative data was employed, while quantitative data from the questionnaire was analysed descriptively (frequencies, means, standard deviations) and inferentially (ANOVA) using SPSS version 21. The significant finding indicates that academic libraries can play a key role in the effective transmission of research outputs to industries, hence, the need for a stronger collaboration among researchers, academic libraries, and industries to ensure high productivity, leading to national development. The study recommended the use of the Academic Libraries Transfer of Research Outputs to Industry (ALTROI) Model to ensure effective collaboration among researchers, academic libraries and industries as far as the proper use of research outputs is concerned.
Conservative treatment of partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and tendinopathy with platelet-rich plasma: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Xiang Xiao-Na , Deng Jie , Liu Yan , Yu Xi , Cheng Biao , He Hong-Chen
Published: April 2021

Objective:

To assess the effect of platelet-rich plasma as a conservative therapy in individuals with partial-thickness rotator cuff tears or tendinopathy on pain, and function.

Data sources:

Embase, MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, PEDro, and the grey literature (to 31 March 2021).

Methods:

Randomized controlled trials in English that reported short-term (6 ± 1 months), or long-term (⩾1 year) outcomes (shoulder pain or function) were conducted. Two independent reviewers screened the literature, completed the assessment of the Cochrane’s risk of bias and extracted the data. Mean difference or standardized mean difference was used for continuous data. Heterogeneity was identified with I2 test.

Results:

A total of 11 studies were eligible, and nine studies ( n = 629) were included in this meta-analysis, that showed statistically significant short-term effects of platelet-rich plasma on pain relief (MD = −1.56; 95% CI −2.82 to −0.30), Constant-Murley score (MD = 16.48; 95% CI 12.57 to 20.40), and Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (MD = −18.78; 95% CI −36.55 to −1.02). Nonetheless, no long-term effect was observed on pain and function, except Constant-Murley score (MD = 24.30; 95% CI 23.27 to 25.33). The results of minimal important difference reached the minimal clinically important difference, except American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons. For subgroup analysis, differences of pain relief were statistically significant in platelet-rich plasma-treated groups with double centrifugation, single injection, and post-injection rehabilitation.

Conclusion:

Our results suggested platelet-rich plasma had positive effects on pain relief and functional improvement for partial-thickness rotator cuff tears and rotator cuff tendinopathy, although the effects may not last for a long time.
Low neuronal metabolism during isoflurane-induced burst suppression is related to synaptic inhibition while neurovascular coupling and mitochondrial function remain intact
Authors: Berndt Nikolaus , Kovács Richard , Schoknecht Karl , Rösner Jörg , Reiffurth Clemens , Maechler Mathilde , Holzhütter Hermann-Georg , Dreier Jens P , Spies Claudia , Liotta Agustin
Published: April 2021

Deep anaesthesia may impair neuronal, vascular and mitochondrial function facilitating neurological complications, such as delirium and stroke. On the other hand, deep anaesthesia is performed for neuroprotection in critical brain diseases such as status epilepticus or traumatic brain injury. Since the commonly used anaesthetic propofol causes mitochondrial dysfunction, we investigated the impact of the alternative anaesthetic isoflurane on neuro-metabolism. In deeply anaesthetised Wistar rats (burst suppression pattern), we measured increased cortical tissue oxygen pressure (ptiO2), a ∼35% drop in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and burst-associated neurovascular responses. In vitro, 3% isoflurane blocked synaptic transmission and impaired network oscillations, thereby decreasing the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2). Concerning mitochondrial function, isoflurane induced a reductive shift in flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and decreased stimulus-induced FAD transients as Ca2+ influx was reduced by ∼50%. Computer simulations based on experimental results predicted no direct effects of isoflurane on mitochondrial complexes or ATP-synthesis. We found that isoflurane-induced burst suppression is related to decreased ATP consumption due to inhibition of synaptic activity while neurovascular coupling and mitochondrial function remain intact. The neurometabolic profile of isoflurane thus appears to be superior to that of propofol which has been shown to impair the mitochondrial respiratory chain.
Prognostic value of peripheral blood inflammatory cell subsets in patients with acute coronary syndrome undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Gao Xiuxin , Liu Yixiang , Tian Yanan , Rao Chongyou , Shi Fei , Bu Haiwei , Liu Jingyi , Zhang Ying , Shan Weichao , Ding Zhenjiang , Sun Lixian
Published: April 2021

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of inflammatory cells in peripheral blood on the prognosis of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Patients (n=1558) were consecutively enrolled and the median follow-up was 1142 days. Patients were divided into the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) 1 group (n=63) (all-cause mortality [n=58] and rehospitalization for severe heart failure [n=5], no MACE1 group (n=1495), MACE2 group (n=38) (cardiac mortality [n=33] and rehospitalization for severe heart failure [n=5]), and no MACE2 group (n=1520). The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) were analyzed.

Results

The NLR, MLR, and PLR were higher in the MACE groups than in the no MACE groups. Different subsets of inflammatory cells had similar diagnostic values for MACE. Kaplan–Meier curves showed that the survival time gradually decreased with an increase in the degree of risk as determined by the NLR, MLR, and PLR. The risk of MACE was highest in the extremely high-risk group.

Conclusion

Peripheral blood inflammatory cell subsets can predict MACE in patients with ACS undergoing PCI. These cell subsets could be important laboratory markers for the prognosis and clinical treatment of these patients.