bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on Athlete Behavior Recognition Technology in Sports Teaching Video Based on Deep Neural Network
Authors: Zhao XianPin
Published: January 2022

In recent years, due to the simple design idea and good recognition effect, deep learning method has attracted more and more researchers’ attention in computer vision tasks. Aiming at the problem of athlete behavior recognition in mass sports teaching video, this paper takes depth video as the research object and cuts the frame sequence as the input of depth neural network model, inspired by the successful application of depth neural network based on two-dimensional convolution in image detection and recognition. A depth neural network based on three-dimensional convolution is constructed to automatically learn the temporal and spatial characteristics of athletes’ behavior. The training results on UTKinect-Action3D and MSR-Action3D public datasets show that the algorithm can correctly detect athletes’ behaviors and actions and show stronger recognition ability to the algorithm compared with the images without clipping frames, which effectively improves the recognition effect of physical education teaching videos.
Effect of a Combination of Rosa canina Fruits and Apple Cider Vinegar against Hydrogen Peroxide-Induced Toxicity in Experimental Animal Models
Authors: Ousaaid Driss , Laaroussi Hassan , Bakour Meryem , El Ghouizi Asmae , El Menyiy Naoual , Lyoussi Badiaa , El Arabi Ilham
Published: January 2022

Oxidative stress is the trigger of several diseases. It is an imbalance between the production of free radicals and antioxidants. This study aims to evaluate the antioxidant capacity and the protective property of Rosa canina fruits and apple cider vinegar combined or not against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced toxicity in Wistar rats. The experiment included five groups: group 1 received distilled water (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 2 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt), group 3 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar (2 mL/kg b.wt); group 4 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and apple vinegar supplemented with Rosa canina fruits extract (300 mg/kg b.wt); group 5 received H2O2 10% (10 mL/kg b.wt) and extract of Rosa canina fruits (300 mg/kg b.wt). The doses were given once daily via a gavage. The antioxidant capacity of apple vinegar and Rosa canina extract was analyzed, and AST, ALT, PAL, urea, and creatinine were determined on day 22 of the experiment. In addition, the kidney and the liver tissues were analyzed. The results showed that H2O2 caused a significant elevation of blood urea, blood creatinine, and transaminases. The histopathology examination revealed that H2O2 caused congestion, hemorrhage, and Bowman’s space enlarged. On the other hand, the results clearly showed that apple vinegar and Rosa canina fruits counterbalance the biochemical and histological changes induced by H2O2. In conclusion, the two natural products studied in this work are effective against the harmful effect of oxidative stress, which explains their use in traditional medicine.
Jiles-Atherton-Based Hysteresis Identification of Joint Resistant Torque in Active Spacesuit Using SA-PSO Algorithm
Authors: Li Zhao-yang , Dai Yue-hong , Wang Jun-yao , Tang Peng
Published: January 2022

To eliminate the influence of spacesuits’ joint resistant torque on the operation of astronauts, an active spacesuit scheme based on the joint-assisted exoskeleton technology is proposed. Firstly, we develop a prototype of the upper limb exoskeleton robot and theoretically analyse the prototype to match astronauts’ motion behavior. Then, the Jiles-Atherton model is adopted to describe the hysteretic characteristic of joint resistant torque. Considering the parameter identification effects in the Jiles-Atherton model and the local optimum problem of the basic PSO (particle swarm optimization) algorithm, a SA- (simulated annealing-) PSO algorithm is proposed to identify the Jiles-Atherton model parameters. Compared with the modified PSO algorithm, the convergence rate of the designed SA-PSO algorithm is advanced by 6.25% and 20.29%, and the fitting accuracy is improved by 14.45% and 46.5% for upper limb joint model. Simulation results show that the identified J-A model can show good agreements with the measured experimental data and well predict the unknown joint resistance torque.
Analysis of the Hybrid of Mudar/Snake Grass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy with Nano-Silica Filler Composite for Structural Application
Authors: Jenish I. , Sahayaraj A. Felix , Suresh V. , Mani raj J. , Appadurai M. , Irudaya Raj E. Fantin , Nasif Omaima , Alfarraj Saleh , Kumaravel Ashok Kumar
Published: January 2022

Natural fiber composite materials are competent materials that may replace conventional synthetic materials where the strength to weight ratio is essential. In this paper, the mechanical characteristics of composites made up of randomly oriented natural fibers (mudar fiber and snake grass fiber) with nano-silica filler are detailed for the first time. From the various literature surveys, the critical length of mudar and snake grass fiber is chosen as 40 mm and 30 mm, respectively. The test samples were prepared with a fiber content of 10%, 20%, 30%, and 40% with an equal amount of mudar and snake grass fiber. The percentage of nano-filler is maintained as constant as 3% with all the compositions. The composites showed that the highest mechanical properties were found at 30% fiber volume. The maximum tensile strength is 45 MPa, and the flexural strength is 51 MPa. The maximum impact strength is 4.5 J. Sample ID 3 provided the best results compared to other proportions. The fiber/matrix adhesion was investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). These predominant mechanical properties make it easier for the implementation of the prepared composite material in structural and automotive applications.
Effects and Safety of Sacubitril/Valsartan for Patients with Myocardial Infarction: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liu Lang , Ding Xiaofang , Han Yaxiang , Lv Jianfeng
Published: January 2022

Patients who develop heart failure (HF) after an acute myocardial infarction (AMI) are at higher risk of adverse fatal and nonfatal outcomes. Studies have shown sacubitril/valsartan can further reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure by 20% compared with enalapril. At the same time, its tolerance and safety are better. However, the current evidence regarding the efficacy of sacubitril/valsartan in patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction is controversial. To assess the effect of sacubitril/valsartan on heart failure after acute myocardial infarction, we conducted a systematic review of the literature and a meta-analysis of existing randomized clinical trials. Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trails is used where data are collected from PubMed, the Cochrane library, Embase, and Web of Science. Data about sacubitril/valsartan were available from 5 studies. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 299% higher value of sacubitril/valsartan to the control group (MD = 2.99%, 95% CI: 2.01, 3.96, I2 = 78%,

P
<
0.00001

, Figure 2), and the difference was statistically significant. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 531% lower value of LVEF to the control group (MD = −5.31%, 95% CI: −7.36, −3.26, I2 = 91%,

P
<
0.00001

, Figure 2), and the difference was statistically significant. Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 133% lower value of NT-proBNP to the control group (MD = −1.33%, 95% CI: −1.54, −1.12, I2 = 96%,

P
<
0.00001

, Figure 3). Forest plots showed that the sacubitril/valsartan group had a 49% lower risk of heart failure to the control group (MD = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.89, I2 = 0%,

P
=
0.02

, Figure 3). The patients in experimental showed an obviously lower OR of MACE (OR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.82,

P
=
0.007

, Figure 3). The data were statistically significant. We have observed that for patients with heart failure after acute myocardial infarction, early administration of sacubitril/valsartan can significantly reduce the incidence of heart rate, left ventricular ejection fraction, NT-proBNP, and MACE. Our meta-analysis suggests that taking sacubitril/valsartan is relatively safe and effective, especially if started early after acute myocardial infarction.
A Statistical Modeling and Optimization for Cr(VI) Adsorption from Aqueous Media via Teff Straw-Based Activated Carbon: Isotherm, Kinetics, and Thermodynamic Studies
Authors: Beyan Surafel Mustefa , Prabhu Sundramurthy Venkatesa , Ambio Temesgen Abeto , Gomadurai C.
Published: January 2022

Currently, the growth of tannery industries causes a significant volume of waste disposal to the environment due to harmful Cr(VI). Long-time exposure to Cr(VI) imposes serious hazards on all living organisms. Hence, the treatment of tannery waste to remove Cr(VI) is not a choice but mandatory. Therefore, this study focused on the removal of Cr(VI) from the aqueous solutions via a teff ( Eragrostis tef) straw based-activated carbon (TSAC) which was derived from locally available agricultural solid waste, teff straw (TS). The prepared TSAC was characterized using BET, FTIR, SEM, and XRD. A central composite approach-based RSM analysis was undertaken for statistical modeling and optimization for maximized Cr(VI) removal with respect to four important factors, namely, initial concentration of Cr(VI), the dosage of TSAC, pH, and adsorption time. Optimized values for maximizing adsorption of Cr(VI) (95% of removal) were acquired to be initial Cr(VI) concentration: 87.57 mg/L, TSAC dosage: 2.742 g/100 mL, pH: 2.2, and contact time:109 min. The results from the design of the experiment were also analyzed for the significance of the interaction between the selected process parameters. In addition, the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models were found suitable for describing the adsorption data. The adsorption capacity of Cr(VI) on TSAC was 19.48 mg/g. The observed thermodynamic characteristics reveal that Cr(VI) adsorption on TASC is endothermic in nature. From the results, TSAC had shown a potential Cr(VI) efficiency on optimized process conditions that can be exploited effectively as adsorbent for removal of Cr(VI)-contaminated wastes.
[Retracted] Recursive Neural Network‐Based Market Demand Forecasting Algorithm for Calligraphy Practice Products
Authors: Xue Yi
Published: January 2022

In today’s society, calligraphy, which reflects one’s basic writing skills, is becoming more and more important to people. People are influenced by calligraphy in their studies, work, etc. Improving calligraphy writing skills has become one of the key directions for developing one’s abilities at this stage. As an important means of improving writing skills, calligraphy practice products are attracting more and more attention and purchases. In particular, in recent years, as the market economy has developed in a deeper direction, people’s demand for calligraphy practice products has diversified and calligraphy practice product companies have launched a variety of products to meet the public’s calligraphy practice needs in order to adapt to the reality of consumer demand. However, with the development of the Internet culture industry and influenced by objective factors such as school holidays and seasons, the current market demand for calligraphy practice products is rapidly and dynamically changing, making market changes difficult to grasp and leading to poor sales, which directly affects the profits of calligraphy practice product‐related companies. The artificial intelligence neural network method realizes the nonlinear relationship between the input and output of sample data through the self‐learning ability of each neuron and has a certain nonlinear mapping ability in prediction, which plays a great role in the market demand prediction of many commercial products. Based on this, this paper proposes a recursive neural network‐based algorithm to predict the future demand and development trend of calligraphy practice products through extensive and in‐depth research, so as to provide positive and beneficial guidance for enterprises’ future production and sales.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Protective Effects of Juncus effusus L. Water Extract on Oral Keratinocytes
Authors: Wada Akihiro , Murakami Keiji , Ishikawa Yumi , Amoh Takashi , Hirao Kouji , Hosokawa Yuki , Hinode Daisuke , Miyake Yoichiro , Yumoto Hiromichi
Published: January 2022

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by periodontopathogenic bacteria that form biofilms in periodontal pockets. The gingival epithelium acts as the first physical barrier in fighting attacks by periodontopathogenic pathogens, such as the primary etiological agent Porphyromonas gingivalis, and various exogenous chemicals, as well as regulates the local innate immune responses. Therefore, the development of novel oral care products to inhibit inflammatory reactions caused by bacterial infection and protect the gingival epithelium is necessary. Juncus effusus L. has generally been used as an indigenous medicine, such as a diuretic, an antipyretic, and an analgesic, in ancient practice. In this study, we examined the effects of a water extract from J. effusus L. on the inhibition of the inflammatory reaction elicited by bacterial infection and protection of the oral epithelium by chemical irritation. Pretreatment of oral epithelial cells with the water extract from J. effusus L. significantly reduced P. gingivalis or its lipopolysaccharide‐ (LPS‐) mediated production of chemokines (interleukin‐8 and C‐C‐chemokine ligand20) in a concentration‐dependent manner with comparable to or greater effects than epigallocatechin gallate and protected oral epithelial cells from injury by chemical irritants, cetylpyridinium chloride, and benzethonium chloride. Moreover, the water extract from J. effusus L. in the presence of antimicrobial agents or antifibrinolytics already used as ingredients in mouthwash could significantly reduce the production of chemokines from P. gingivalis LPS‐stimulated oral epithelial cells in a concentration‐dependent manner. These findings suggest that the water extract from J. effusus L. is potentially useful for oral care to prevent oral infections, such as periodontal infections, and maintain oral epithelial function.
Research on the Application of Deep Learning Technology Oriented to the Construction and Innovation of Smart City Image Cognition
Authors: Shi Dan , Song Lixin
Published: January 2022

City image is the observer’s subjective impression of the city image. It is an important content of urban geography and planning research and has important guiding significance for shaping a unique urban space. Cognitive research on traditional urban imagery is mainly by means of questionnaires and image sketches. It has problems such as high cost, low update frequency, and limited data coverage, which cannot meet the needs of quantitative research on smart cities and urban economic development in the information age. With the advent of the era of big data and the development of Internet technology, there are more and more quantitative research results on smart city image cognition with the help of big data and deep learning technology. It will be a feasible way to apply it to urban image research. This article combines the development and transformation of smart cities with the transformation of urban planning and leads to an innovation in the construction of urban image cognition based on urban image, active representation data as the data source, and deep learning as the core technology. The theoretical connotation and cognitive dimension of urban imagery are expanded to establish a cognitive model of urban imagery. The city image is cognitively analyzed from three dimensions: image structure, image type, and image evaluation. Specific cities are taken as examples to verify the applicability and scientificity of the cognitive methods and models, so as to enhance the practicality and applicability of urban imagery in urban planning. At the same time, this research is used to answer the development dilemma of big data, summarize the development trend of big data, and explore the new changes that artificial intelligence brings to urban planning. The experimental results show that the model we designed efficiently evaluates the image of the city and can also effectively recognize the image of the city in the main urban area of Chongqing.
Temporal Patterns in the Evolutionary Genetic Distance of SARS-CoV-2 during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lou Jingzhi , Zhao Shi , Cao Lirong , Zheng Hong , Chen Zigui , Chan Renee W.Y. , Chong Marc K.C. , Zee Benny C.Y. , Chan Paul K.S. , Wang Maggie H.
Published: January 2022

During coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the genetic mutations of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) occurred frequently. Some mutations in the spike protein are considered to promote transmissibility of the virus, while the mutation patterns in other proteins are less studied and may also be important in understanding the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2. We used the sequencing data of SARS-CoV-2 strains in California to investigate the time-varying patterns of the evolutionary genetic distance. The accumulative genetic distances were quantified across different time periods and in different viral proteins. The increasing trends of genetic distance were observed in spike protein (S protein), the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) region and nonstructural protein 3 (nsp3) of open reading frame 1 (ORF1), and nucleocapsid protein (N protein). The genetic distances in ORF3a, ORF8, and nsp2 of ORF1 started to diverge from their original variants after September 2020. By contrast, mutations in other proteins appeared transiently, and no evident increasing trend was observed in the genetic distance to the original variants. This study presents distinct patterns of the SARS-CoV-2 mutations across multiple proteins from the aspect of genetic distance. Future investigation shall be conducted to study the effects of accumulative mutations on epidemics characteristics.
Promotion of the Differentiation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells into Oligodendrocytes by Knockdown of Heat Shock Protein 27
Authors: Guo Shu-Lin , Chin Chih-Hui , Huang Chi-Jung , Chien Chih-Cheng , Lee Yih-Jing
Published: January 2022

Stem cell-based therapy has been evaluated in many different clinical trials for various diseases. This capability was applied in various neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, which is characterized by demyelination, axonal injury, and neuronal loss. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are mesenchymal stem cells from the oral cavity that have been studied with potential application for the regeneration of different tissues. Heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) regulates neurogenesis in the process of neural differentiation of placenta multipotent stem cells. Here, we hypothesize that HSP27 expression is also critical for the neural differentiation of DPSCs. An evaluation of the possible role of HSP27 in the differentiation of DPSCs was performed using gene knockdown and neural immunofluorescent staining. We found that HSP27 played a role in the differentiation of DPSCs and that knockdown of HSP27 in DPSCs rendered cells to oligodendrocyte progenitors; i.e., small hairpin specific for HSP27 DPSCs exhibited NG2-positive immunoreactivity and gave rise to oligodendrocytes or type-2 astrocytes. This neural differentiation of DPSCs may have clinical significance in the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative diseases. In conclusion, our data provide an example of the oligodendrocyte differentiation of a DPSC model, which may be applied in human regenerative medicine.
Increased Risk of Liver-Related Outcomes in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients with Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Thin Khin Naing , Tran Andrew , Li Jie , Lee Eunice Yewon , Yang Hongli , Rui Fajuan , Liu Chuanli , Stave Christopher D. , Cheung Ramsey C. , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: January 2022

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS) may present increased risk of liver-related outcomes (LROs), but prior studies were limited by small sample size and/or conflicting results. Using a systematic review and meta-analytic approach, we aimed to determine the association between MetS and LROs in CHB. Methods: Two researchers independently screened studies from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from inception to January 21, 2020, and extracted the data. Estimates were pooled using a random-effects model. Results: We screened 2,228 articles and included 10 eligible studies (18,360 CHB patients, 2,557 with MetS). MetS was significantly associated with LROs overall (odds ratio = 2.45, 95% confidence interval = 1.39–4.32) but not the individual LRO components but subgroup analyses were limited by small study numbers. Discussion/Conclusion: MetS is associated with almost 3-folds higher risk of LROs in CHB and should be considered in management decisions. However, additional studies are needed.
COVID-19 and the Human Eye: Conjunctivitis, a Lone COVID-19 Finding – A Case-Control Study
Authors: Mocanu Valeria , Bhagwani Dharmesh , Sharma Abhinav , Borza Claudia , Rosca Ciprian Ilie , Stelian Morariu , Bhagwani Shalini , Haidar Laura , Kshtriya Lajwanti , Kundnani Nilima Rajpal , Horhat Florin-Raul , Horhat Raluca
Published: January 2022

Objectives: COVID-19 has varied clinical manifestations, from asymptomatic to severe cases, and conjunctivitis is one of them, but sometimes a lone initial symptom is found to be present. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of conjunctivitis as the first symptom in COVID-19 patients in a primary healthcare unit. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted, analyzing the presenting complains/symptoms and results of COVID-19-confirmatory tests. Results: Out of the 672 cases that were sent for RT-PCR testing, only 121 (18%) were found to be positive. Among these, 2.67% patients had both conjunctivitis and COVID-19, 77.77% patients had unilateral eye affected, while 22.22% had bilateral conjunctivitis of varying degrees. Fifteen patients diagnosed to have both acute conjunctivitis and COVID-19 presented other symptoms associated with COVID-19 infection. Three patients had only acute conjunctivitis during their entire course of COVID-19. Conclusions: Conjunctivitis is a symptom of COVID-19 and may be the first sign of the infection, until the onset of the classical manifestations; such patients may continue to be a viral reservoir. Physicians should not miss unilateral conjunctivitis as it can be the only presenting complaint of COVID-19 during the initial phase, which might worsen if undetected and can aid in the spread of the contagion.
Microcirculation and Macrocirculation in Hypertension: A Dangerous Cross-Link?
Authors: Laurent Stephane , Agabiti-Rosei Claudia , Bruno Rosa Maria , Rizzoni Damiano
Published: January 2022

Microcirculation and macrocirculation are tightly interconnected into a dangerous cross-link in hypertension. Small artery damage includes functional (vasoconstriction, impaired vasodilatation) and structural abnormalities (mostly inward eutrophic remodeling). These abnormalities are major determinants of the increase in total peripheral resistance and mean blood pressure (BP) in primary hypertension, which in the long term induces large artery stiffening. In turn, large artery stiffening increases central systolic and pulse pressures, which are further augmented by wave reflection in response to the structural alterations in small resistance arteries. Finally, transmission of high BP and flow pulsatility to small resistance arteries further induces functional and structural abnormalities, thus leading to increased total peripheral resistance and mean BP, thus perpetuating the vicious circle. Hyperpulsatility, in addition to higher mean BP, exaggerates cardiac, brain, and kidney damages and leads to cardiovascular, cerebral, and renal complications. The dangerous cross-link between micro and macrocirculation can be reversed into a virtuous one by ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors, sartans, and calcium channel blockers. These three pharmacological classes are more potent than β-blockers and diuretics for reducing arterial stiffness and small artery remodeling. The same ranking was observed for their effectiveness at reducing left ventricular hypertrophy, preserving glomerular filtration rate, and preventing dementia, suggesting that they can act beyond brachial BP reduction, by breaking the micro/macrocirculation vicious circle.
Sex-Related Differences in Outcomes After Endovascular Treatment of Patients With Late-Window Stroke
Authors: Bala Fouzi , Casetta Ilaria , Nannoni Stefania , Herlihy Darragh , Goyal Mayank , Fainardi Enrico , Michel Patrik , Thornton John , Power Sarah , Saia Valentina , Hegarty Aidan , Pracucci Giovanni , Demchuk Andrew , Mangiafico Salvatore , Boyle Karl , Hill Michael D. , Toni Danilo , Murphy Sean , Ademola Ayoola , Kim Beom Joon , Menon Bijoy K. , Almekhlafi Mohammed A.
Published: January 2022

Background and Purpose:

Sex-related differences exist in many aspects of acute stroke and were mainly investigated in the early time window with conflicting results. However, data regarding sex disparities in late presenters are scarce. Therefore, we sought to investigate differences in outcomes between women and men treated with endovascular treatment in the late time window.

Methods:

Analyses were based on the SOLSTICE Consortium (Selection of Late-Window Stroke for Thrombectomy by Imaging Collateral Extent), which was an individual-patient level analysis of seven trials and registries. Baseline characteristics, 90-day functional independence (modified Rankin Scale score ≤2), mortality, and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage were compared between women and men. Effect of sex on the association of age and successful reperfusion (final Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b–3) with outcomes was assessed using multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, time from onset to puncture, occlusion location, intravenous thrombolysis, and successful reperfusion, with interaction terms.

Results:

Among 608 patients treated with endovascular treatment, 50.5% were women. Women were older than men (median age of 72 versus 68 years,
P
=0.02) and had a lower prevalence of tandem occlusions (14.0% versus 22.9%,
P
=0.005). Workflow times were similar between sexes. Adjusted outcomes did not differ between women and men. Functional independence at 90 days was achieved by 127 out of 292 women (43.5%) and 135 out of 291 men (46.4%). Mortality at 90 days (54 [18.5%] versus 48 [16.5%]) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (37 [13.3%] versus 33 [11.6%]) were similar between women and men. There was no sex-by-age interaction on functional outcomes. However, men had higher likelihood of mortality (
P
interaction
=0.003) and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (
P
interaction
=0.017) with advancing age. Sex did not influence the relation between successful reperfusion and outcomes.

Conclusions:

In this multicenter analysis of late patients treated with endovascular treatment, sex was not associated with functional outcome. However, sex influenced the association between age and safety outcomes, with men experiencing worse outcomes with advancing age.
Constitutional Protection of the Right to Self-Determination
Authors: Hamza Marishet Mohammed
Published: January 2022

The right to self-determination is an essential international law principle that holds an erga omnes character. Also, the right is often enshrined under domestic legislation, including constitutions. The 1995 Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Constitution (fdre Constitution) is one such constitution and, uniquely, it explicitly recognizes the right to self-determination including the right of secession as an unconditional right of the nations, nationalities, and peoples in Ethiopia. This paper selects the fdre Constitution and analyses whether such constitutional law frameworks better address some of the contentious matters concerning the right to self-determination under international law. In a comparative perspective (with international law), the article analyses, inter alia, how the fdre Constitution approach the questions of who the subjects of the right to self-determination are, and the substantive guarantees for exercising internal and external aspects of the right to self-determination with particular emphasis on secession as a legal right.
The Dependence of Mean Climate State on Shortwave Absorption by Water Vapor
Authors: Kim Hanjun , Pendergrass Angeline G. , Kang Sarah M.
Published: January 2022

State-of-the-art climate models exhibit significant spread in the climatological value of atmospheric shortwave absorption (SWA). This study investigates both the possible causes and climatic impacts of this SWA intermodel spread. The intermodel spread of global-mean SWA largely originates from the intermodel difference in water vapor shortwave absorptivity. Hence, we alter the water vapor shortwave absorptivity in the Community Earth System Model, version 1, with the Community Atmosphere Model, version 4 (CESM1-CAM4). Increasing the water vapor shortwave absorptivity leads to a reduction in global-mean precipitation and a La Niña–like cooling over the tropical Pacific. The global-mean atmospheric energy budget suggests that the precipitation is suppressed as a way to compensate for the increased SWA. The precipitation reduction is driven by the weakened surface winds, stabilized planetary boundary layer, and surface cooling. The La Niña–like cooling over the tropical Pacific is attributed to the zonal asymmetry of climatological evaporative damping efficiency and the low cloud enhancement over the eastern basin. Complementary fixed SSTs simulations suggest that the latter is more fundamental and that it primarily arises from atmospheric processes. Consistent with our experiments, the CMIP5/6 models with a higher global-mean SWA tend to produce tropical Pacific toward a more La Niña–like mean state, highlighting the possible role of water vapor shortwave absorptivity for shaping the mean-state climate patterns.
Testing Vertical Wind Shear and Nonlinear MJO–ENSO Interactions as Predictors for Subseasonal Atlantic Tropical Cyclone Forecasts
Authors: Hansen Kurt A. , Majumdar Sharanya J. , Kirtman Ben P. , Janiga Matthew A.
Published: January 2022

Hansen et al. found patterns of vertical wind shear, relative humidity (RH), and nonlinear interactions between the Madden–Julian oscillation and El Niño–Southern Oscillation that impact subseasonal Atlantic TC activity. We test whether these patterns can be used to improve subseasonal predictions. To do this we build a statistical–dynamical hybrid model using Navy-ESPC reforecasts as a part of the SUBX project. By adding and removing Navy-ESPC reforecasted values of predictors from a logistic regression model, we assess the contribution of skill from each predictor. We find that Atlantic SSTs and the MJO are the most important factors governing subseasonal Atlantic TC activity. RH contributes little to subseasonal TC predictions; however, shear predictors improve forecast skill at 5–10-day lead times, before forecast shear errors become too large. Nonlinear MJO–ENSO interactions did not improve skill compared to separate linear considerations of these factors but did improve the reliability of predictions for high-probability active TC periods. Both nonlinear MJO–ENSO interactions and the subseasonal shear signal appear linked to PV streamer activity. This study suggests that correcting model shear biases and improving representation of Rossby wave breaking is the most efficient way to improve subseasonal Atlantic TC forecasts.
Usability and Accessibility of the ArtontheBrain™ Virtual Recreation Activity for Older Adults With Low Vision Due to Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Aubin Gabrielle , Elalouf Karine , Hogan Mariah , Altschuler Aviva , Murphy Kelly J. , Wittich Walter
Published: January 2022

Experiencing visual art can inspire, be an overall positive leisure activity, and has been linked to improved cognition, especially in older adults. Access to artwork in a museum environment can comprise a variety of barriers, including difficulties linked to its visual experience for persons that are visually impaired. The present study explored the barriers and facilitators experienced by 15 older adults (age 65 to 93) living with age-related macular degeneration when using an iPad to access ArtontheBrain™, a virtual art museum recreation experience created by members of this team. Using the Concurrent Think Aloud method, participants were asked to continuously comment on their experiences with the application while being audio/video recorded. Indeed, codes were determined by identifying frequently stated and emphasized ideas or behaviors of participants using the ArtontheBrain™ application. Transcripts underwent thematic analysis and indicated that the main access barriers were linked to control of the contrast, magnification, and the tactile interface on the tablet device. The learn and play activities as well as the text-to-speech feature were identified as facilitators for ArtontheBrain™ engagement. The present findings should also be considered in the larger context of application development, as this study provides insight pertaining to the needs of low vision individuals regarding usability and accessibility.
Are politically engaged citizens more democratic? A glimpse from Brazil
Authors: Mont’Alverne Camila , Moraes Diego , Kemer Thaíse
Published: January 2022

A significant part of the Western literature on democracy assumes that political participation leads to citizens being more committed to democratic values. However, we do not know to what extent this is true in young democracies with an authoritarian tradition. Hence, this article aims to examine whether politically engaged Brazilians are more democratic. To do so, we analyzed whether there is any association between political participation, support for democracy, and democracy relativization through multivariate regression models. Our database comprises a representative sample of 2417 interviews with the electorate of São Paulo in 2019. The results show a statistically significant association between unconventional political participation and support for democracy. General political participation is associated with non-relativization of democracy only, showing a limited relationship between support for democracy and participation. Other variables, such as political interest, political knowledge, and interpersonal trust, are also associated with higher support for democracy.
Anti-Corruption Campaign and Firm Financial Performance: Evidence From Vietnam Firms
Authors: Hoang Khanh , Doan Hieu T. , Tran Thanh T. , Nguyen Thang X. , Le Anh Q.
Published: January 2022

Background

Corruption affects businesses in various ways. Anti-corruption, on the other hand, can improve the institutions of the country as well as business operations. Vietnam, as a socialist-oriented country with an ongoing high-profile anti-corruption campaign, provides us a unique setting to evaluate the impacts of anti-corruption on corporate performance.

Objectives

We address two questions: (1) what is the effect of anti-corruption on the performance of private-owned firms in Vietnam? and (2) how does anti-corruption influence the performance of firms with state ownership (FSOs) in Vietnam?

Research design

To investigate the impact of anti-corruption on performance of firms with different ownership settings, we use the establishment of the Central Anti-Corruption Steering Committee of Vietnam as a quasi-natural experiment for difference-in-differences analysis. We generate treatment effects of private holding and the state block ownership. To validate the findings, we construct a novel news-based anti-corruption index from Vietnamese online newspapers and use it in a robustness test to evaluate anti-corruption’s impacts on firm performance.

Results and Conclusions

We find a positive impact of the anti-corruption campaign on private firms’ performance, supporting the social norm perspective of how corruption affects businesses. The empirical results indicate a negative impact of the campaign on FSOs’ performance. The findings suggest that anti-corruption benefits private firms via improving the institutional quality of the country while improving the financial transparency of FSOs. Our study provides a method for measuring anti-corruption which is virtually unobservable and absent in the literature. The findings have implications for policymaking in contemporary Vietnam.
Point of Reference: A Multisited Exploration of African Migration and Fertility in France
Authors: Behrman Julia A. , Weitzman Abigail
Published: January 2022

A considerable literature explores whether the fertility of migrants from high-fertility contexts converges with that of women in lower fertility destinations. Nonetheless, much of this research compares migrants’ reproductive outcomes to those of native-born women in destination countries. Drawing on research emphasizing the importance of transnational perspectives, we standardize and integrate data collected in France (the destination) and in six high-fertility African countries (the senders). We show that African migrants in our sample had higher children ever born (CEB) than native French women but lower CEB than women in corresponding origin countries. These findings suggest that socialization into pronatalist norms is an incomplete explanation for migrant fertility in the first generation, an insight that is overlooked when analyzing destination settings only. Next, we conduct multivariate analyses that weight migrants’ background characteristics to resemble women in both origin and destination countries. Findings indicate that observed differences between African migrants in France and women in African origin countries help explain differences in CEB between the two groups, which supports selection. We also demonstrate that African migrants in France had delayed transitions into first, second, and third births and lower completed fertility compared to women in origin countries, thus disputing the disruption hypothesis. Finally, we show that observed differences between African migrants in France and native French women explain differences in CEB between the two groups, which supports adaptation. These multifaceted findings on selection, disruption, and adaptation would be obscured by analyzing destination settings only, thus validating a multisited approach to migrant fertility.
Exclusionary Contexts Frustrate Cultural Integration: Migrant Acculturation Into Support for Gender Equality in the Labor Market in Western Europe
Authors: Glas Saskia
Published: January 2022

Countering linear acculturation theories, the adoption of Western European gender customs over time differs across migrant groups. This diversity implies that acculturation into support for gender equality is context dependent. However, little quantitative scholarship has identified what sort of contexts strengthen or impede acculturation. This article investigates one source of context-dependent acculturation: exclusionary contexts. I build and test a context-dependent exclusions framework that proposes that contexts that exclude non-Western migrants hamper their acculturation into support for gender equality in the labor market in Western Europe. Empirically, I synchronize European Social Survey, European Values Study, and Eurislam data on over 11,000 non-Western migrants in Western Europe. Cross-classified models show that non-Western migrants’ support for labor-market gender equality is, indeed, lower in exclusionary contexts, for instance, in destinations with stronger anti-migrant sentiments. Pivotally, the impact of destinations’ gender customs on migrants’ gender values differs across destination, origin, and community contexts. For instance, in destinations with stronger populist right-wing parties, migrants internalize destinations’ gender equality less. Altogether, non-Western migrants’ acculturation into support for labor-market gender equality is highly dependent on contextual exclusions, which means that populist claims about non-Western migrants’ universal lack of acculturation into support for gender equality should be viewed cautiously.
Three C’s conception of giftedness: A call for paradigm shift
Authors: Chowkase Aakash A.
Published: January 2022

Most conceptions of giftedness overly focus on the gifted “individual” and leave out the social and global context in which the individual grows. However, human lives are intricately interconnected. An individual’s actions can have large effects on other individuals, societies, and nature. In this article, I argue a paradigm shift is needed in the way giftedness is construed today. I draw on the three C’s conception of giftedness in which gifted behaviors are seen as an interplay of competence in action, commitment to task, and concern for others. I discuss seven profiles of gifted behaviors: Profile 1—competent (high competence); Profile 2—committed (high commitment); Profile 3—concerned (high concern); Profile 4—indifferent expert (high competence and commitment); Profile 5—amateur altruist (high commitment and concern); Profile 6—uncommitted thinker (high competence and concern); and Profile 7—fully developing talent (high competence, commitment, and concern). Further, I discuss how this taxonomy can inform education and identification practices in gifted education.
Perfectionism shapes the way adolescents perceive family acceptance over time
Authors: Domocus Iulia M. , Damian Lavinia E. , Benga Oana
Published: January 2022

Previous theory and research linked perfectionism to contingent self-worth and conditional acceptance, but little research directly investigated how adolescents’ perfectionism and their perceived family acceptance shape each other over time. The present study is the first to investigate the reciprocal longitudinal relations between adolescents’ perfectionism and their perceived family acceptance. The study examined a sample of 264 adolescents (aged 14–19 years) over a period of 3 months, using a cross-lagged longitudinal design with two time points. Results showed that perfectionistic standards predict relative increases, whereas perfectionistic concerns predict relative decreases in adolescents’ perceived mother, father, and family acceptance. However, perceived family acceptance did not predict significant changes in perfectionistic standards nor in perfectionistic concerns. Considering this, the results emphasize the role of perfectionism as a predictor for perceptions of mother, father, and family acceptance and capture how perfectionism may shape interpersonal experiences within the family. Implications of these findings for both research and practice are discussed.
Trait mindfulness and relationship mindfulness are indirectly related to sexual quality over time in dating relationships among emerging adults
Authors: Fincham Frank D.
Published: January 2022

Trait mindfulness is associated with sexual satisfaction, but their temporal relation is unexplored. Using a short-term longitudinal design, the present study not only examines their temporal relation but also extends extant research by also investigating relationship mindfulness and potential mechanisms that might account for any temporal relation that exists between the two forms of mindfulness and sexual quality. Participants were sexually active emerging adults ( N = 104) in romantic relationships who initially completed measures of trait and relationship mindfulness, and 6 weeks later measures of relationship satisfaction and difficulties in emotion regulation. After another 6 weeks, they completed a measure of sexual quality. Relationship mindfulness was related to sexual satisfaction 12 weeks later via relationship satisfaction, whereas trait mindfulness was related to later sexual dissatisfaction via difficulties in emotion regulation. These results suggest that the temporal relationship between mindfulness and sexual quality is indirect and more nuanced than previously thought. Several avenues for future research are suggested.
Drawing the line at infidelity: Negotiating relationship morality in a Swedish context of consensual non-monogamy
Authors: Andersson Catrine
Published: January 2022

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) involves being in a relationship that allows participants multiple concurrent sexual and/or intimate partners. Previous studies exploring attitudes toward different types of extra-dyadic sexual activity (EDSA) has typically distinguished between, on the one hand, polyamory/open relationships/swinging and, on the other, infidelity. The aim of this article is to develop further these discussions by showing how the distinctions between relationship types are drawn and/or blurred in social interactions, and how this requires moral work and negotiations of what ethical polyamory is. The research questions are as follows: 1. How are different CNM relationship types distinguished from each other, as well as intertwined and negotiated in social interactions? 2. How are ideals of consent, honesty, and communication reproduced and renegotiated in CNM relationships? 3. How does moral work become important for responding to negative attitudes toward CNM? The material consists of interviews with 22 persons practicing polyamory, CNM, or relationship anarchy, analyzed using thematic analysis. Results show that CNM relationship types are not clearly distinguishable but rather negotiated in social interactions both within a relationship and with others. Interviewees express that consent, honesty, and communication are central for their relationships, but also that they are negotiated. For example, honesty can be renegotiated by introducing an option of not telling your partner everything. Consent can also be renegotiated with some conditions, such as not actively searching out potential partners. They describe several different types of moral work: negotiating and reformulating others’ moral opinions, reversing moral hierarchies, and taking responsibility to explain and to soothe situations. These results contribute to existing research on attitudes toward CNM practices pointing out the importance of taking social interactions into account in order to explore the full extent of negative attitudes toward people involved in CNM relationships and how they handle these interactions.