bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Traveler’s Route Choice Behavior under Unexpected Accidents
Authors: Zhu Minqing , Shi Peng , Cui Hongjun , Li Xinye , Ma Xinwei
Published: March 2023

To investigate the route choice behavior of travelers under unexpected accidents, this study designs four different scenarios of travelers’ route choice behavior experiments according to the severity of unexpected accidents. The bounded rationality characteristics of travelers, such as the time perception difference coefficient, psychological threshold effect coefficient, and scale effect, are introduced into the generalized random regret minimization (GRRM) model. An improved generalized random regret minimization (IGRRM) model is constructed based on travelers’ route choice behavior under unexpected accidents. The collected data of travelers’ route choice results under four different congestion-level scenarios are analyzed by the IGRRM model. The study finds that with the increase in congestion level, travelers are more willing to change the route; during the commute, travelers tend to choose the route with less travel time and angular cost; in the moderate and serious congestion scenarios, travelers no longer reject the detour route; attribute perception difference, scale effect, and psychological threshold effect; affect travelers’ route choice behavior. The IGRRM model based on the route choice behavior of travelers can more accurately characterize the route choice behavior of travelers under unexpected accidents, provide a basis for traffic flow distribution under unexpected accidents, and benefit traffic management departments to take traffic control and guidance measures to ease the traffic congestion caused by unexpected accidents.
Fabrication and Properties of Polycaprolactone/Poly(Butylene Succinate) Blends Based on Electrospinning
Authors: Yu Lan , Wang Feng , Huang Shan
Published: March 2023

Electrospinning technology is famous for its simple preparation, and accurate and easy control of process parameters. It is widely used in ultrafine filtration membrane and biological tissue engineering support. Polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) have good biocompatibility and are commonly used materials in electrospinning. In this study, the relationship between the electrospun sample, process parameters, and spinning solution of PCL/PBS blend system was systematically studied in an electrospinning experiment. The morphology characteristics, thermodynamic properties, and microstructure of the electrospun sample were screened by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and X-ray diffraction. The optimum conditions of electrospinning with high practical value were obtained.
Analytical Solutions of the Fractional Complex Ginzburg-Landau Model Using Generalized Exponential Rational Function Method with Two Different Nonlinearities
Authors: Akram Ghazala , Sadaf Maasoomah , Khan M. Atta Ullah , Hosseinzadeh Hasan
Published: March 2023

The complex Ginzburg-Landau model appears in the mathematical description of wave propagation in nonlinear optics. In this paper, the fractional complex Ginzburg-Landau model is investigated using the generalized exponential rational function method. The Kerr law and parabolic law are considered to discuss the nonlinearity of the proposed model. The fractional effects are also included using a novel local fractional derivative of order

α

. Many novel solutions containing trigonometric functions, hyperbolic functions, and exponential functions are acquired using the generalized exponential rational function method. The 3D-surface graphs, 2D-contour graphs, density graphs, and 2D-line graphs of some retrieved solutions are plotted using Maple software. A variety of exact traveling wave solutions are reported including dark, bright, and kink soliton solutions. The nature of the optical solitons is demonstrated through the graphical representations of the acquired solutions for variation in the fractional order of derivative. It is hoped that the acquired solutions will aid in understanding the dynamics of the various physical phenomena and dynamical processes governed by the considered model.
Loss of LGR5 through Therapy-induced Downregulation or Gene Ablation Is Associated with Resistance and Enhanced MET-STAT3 Signaling in Colorectal Cancer Cells
Authors: Posey Tressie A. , Jacob Joan , Parkhurst Ashlyn , Subramanian Shraddha , Francisco Liezl E. , Liang Zhengdong , Carmon Kendra S.
Published: March 2023

Leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) is highly expressed in colorectal cancer and cancer stem cells (CSCs) that play important roles in tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis. Loss of LGR5 has been shown to enhance therapy resistance. However, the molecular mechanisms that mediate this resistance remain elusive. In this study, we demonstrate conversion of LGR5+ colorectal cancer cells to an LGR5− state in response to chemotherapy, LGR5− targeted antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs), or LGR5 gene ablation led to activation of STAT3. Further investigation revealed increased STAT3 activation occurred as a result of increased mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) factor receptor activity. LGR5 overexpression decreased MET-STAT3 activity and sensitized colorectal cancer cells to therapy. STAT3 inhibition suppressed MET phosphorylation, while constitutively active STAT3 reduced LGR5 levels and increased MET activity, suggesting a potential feedback mechanism. Combination treatment of MET-STAT3 inhibitors with irinotecan or antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs) substantiated synergistic effects in colorectal cancer cells and tumor organoids. In colorectal cancer xenografts, STAT3 inhibition combined with irinotecan enhanced tumor growth suppression and prolonged survival. These findings suggest a mechanism by which drug-resistant LGR5− colorectal cancer cells acquire a survival advantage through activation of MET-STAT3 and provide rationale for new treatment strategies to target colorectal cancer.
Anti–PD-1 and Extended Half-life IL2 Synergize for Treatment of Murine Glioblastoma Independent of Host MHC Class I Expression
Authors: Tritz Zachariah P. , Ayasoufi Katayoun , Wolf Delaney M. , Owens Carley A. , Malo Courtney S. , Himes Benjamin T. , Fain Cori E. , Goddery Emma N. , Yokanovich Lila T. , Jin Fang , Hansen Michael J. , Parney Ian F. , Wang Chensu , Moynihan Kelly D. , Irvine Darrell J. , Wittrup K. Dane , Diaz Marcano Rosa M. , Vile Richard G. , Johnson Aaron J.
Published: March 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant brain tumor in adults, responsible for approximately 225,000 deaths per year. Despite preclinical successes, most interventions have failed to extend patient survival by more than a few months. Treatment with anti—programmed cell death protein 1 (anti–PD-1) immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) monotherapy has been beneficial for malignant tumors such as melanoma and lung cancers but has yet to be effectively employed in GBM. This study aimed to determine whether supplementing anti–PD-1 ICB with engineered extended half-life IL2, a potent lymphoproliferative cytokine, could improve outcomes. This combination therapy, subsequently referred to as enhanced checkpoint blockade (ECB), delivered intraperitoneally, reliably cures approximately 50% of C57BL/6 mice bearing orthotopic GL261 gliomas and extends median survival of the treated cohort. In the CT2A model, characterized as being resistant to CBI, ECB caused a decrease in CT2A tumor volume in half of measured animals similar to what was observed in GL261-bearing mice, promoting a trending survival increase. ECB generates robust immunologic responses, features of which include secondary lymphoid organ enlargement and increased activation status of both CD4 and CD8 T cells. This immunity is durable, with long-term ECB survivors able to resist GL261 rechallenge. Through employment of depletion strategies, ECB's efficacy was shown to be independent of host MHC class I–restricted antigen presentation but reliant on CD4 T cells. These results demonstrate ECB is efficacious against the GL261 glioma model through an MHC class I–independent mechanism and supporting further investigation into IL2-supplemented ICB therapies for tumors of the central nervous system.
Intraplacental Choriocarcinoma in Twin Pregnancy Causing Fetomaternal Haemorrhage and Single Twin Demise: Case Report
Authors: Schepisi Catherine , Dunsmuir Phoebe , Lipsett Jill , Oehler Martin Klaus
Published: March 2023

Gestational choriocarcinoma is a rare aggressive form of gestational trophoblastic neoplasia. In cases of intraplacental choriocarcinoma, the tumour is confined to the placenta. Intraplacental choriocarcinoma in twin pregnancies is a very rare occurrence with less than 5 previously reported cases in the literature. In this case, a 34-year-old primiparous woman, pregnant with dichorionic diamniotic twins, underwent an emergency caesarean section for fetal distress at 35 weeks gestation after presenting in preterm labour. Twin A was delivered with no signs of life. The demise was attributed to fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) secondary to intraplacental choriocarcinoma. The mother’s HCG normalised quickly postpartum with no radiological signs of metastatic disease. She has been managed conservatively with monthly HCG surveillance with no signs of recurrence. Twin B remains well with negative HCG surveillance. Although gestational choriocarcinoma can be aggressive and associated with poor obstetric outcomes, it has a good prognosis when diagnosed and treated early. The importance of detailed histopathological placental examination and clinical suspicion for choriocarcinoma following FMH is highlighted by this case.
Prevalence and Incidence of Carotid-Fetal-Posterior Syndrome
Authors: Cruz-Rojas Agneta , Gu Thomas , Kellomäki Elisa , Nordanstig Annika , Fox Allan J. , Johansson Elias
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Carotid-fetal-posterior (CFP) syndrome is a posterior cerebral artery (PCA) territory ischemic stroke/TIA caused by symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion via fetal posterior communicating artery. We aimed to assess the incidence of CFP syndrome and prevalence of CFP syndrome among symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion as these are unknown. Methods: We reassessed consecutive CTAs from 4,042 persons and included locally admitted patients with ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion. These were assessed for symptoms and signs of possible posterior circulation stroke/TIA (suspicion of CFP syndrome). Among these, those with unilateral PCA territory stroke/TIA, ipsilateral stenosis, and fetal/fetal-type PCA were considered CFP syndrome. Results: We included 208 locally admitted patients with ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion; 33 (16%) patients had suspicion of CFP syndrome, of which 3 (9%) had CFP syndrome. The prevalence of CFP syndrome was 2.9% of symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion; incidence was 4.23 per 1,000,000 person-years. Also, we found a lower prevalence of CFP syndrome (0.9%, p = 0.047) among referred patients with symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion than among locally admitted patients with symptomatic ≥50% carotid stenosis or occlusion. Discussion/Conclusion: CFP syndrome has a low incidence and low prevalence among symptomatic carotid stenosis cases. Given lower prevalence of CFP syndrome among referred cases than local, CFP syndrome seems susceptible to underdiagnosis. On the other hand, few cases with suspicion of CFP syndrome had CFP syndrome, why CFP syndrome also seems susceptible to overdiagnosis if detailed assessment is not employed.
Arthritis Hit Rate in Patients with Psoriasis Referred for Rheumatology Evaluation
Authors: Skovsgård Catalina Hartmann , Laurberg Trine Bay , Dige Anders , Iversen Lars , Hjuler Kasper Fjellhaugen
Published: March 2023

Background: Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic inflammatory arthritis that occurs in a large proportion of patients with psoriasis causing pain and impaired quality of life. Early recognition and treatment are important as PsA may result in structural joint damage with a risk of reduced physical function. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of psoriasis patients with suspicion of PsA who are diagnosed with PsA or other rheumatologic conditions following referral from a dermatology department. Furthermore, the study aimed to identify clinical and patient-reported variables identifying patients with psoriasis in whom joint discomfort is an expression of PsA. Methods: This single-center retrospective study included all patients with psoriasis who had been referred for rheumatological evaluation on suspicion of PsA in the period from 2014 to 2018. Results: A total of 364 patient records were reviewed. This identified 106 patients with psoriasis who had been referred for rheumatologic evaluation on suspicion of PsA. Patients with a previous diagnosis of PsA were excluded from the analysis. Among the referred patients, 23.6% were diagnosed with either peripheral or axial PsA or both. A total of 23.6% were diagnosed with osteoarthritis and an additional 14.2% were diagnosed with inactive PsA. For patient-reported swollen joints and dermatologist-assessed swollen joints at referral, the positive predictive values/negative predictive values for a PsA diagnosis were 40%/100% and 50%/92%, respectively. Conclusion: In this study, 23.6% of patients with psoriasis symptoms suggestive of PsA were diagnosed with axial and/or peripheral arthritis following rheumatologic evaluation. Patient-reported swollen joints and dermatologist-assessed swollen joints indicated a high likelihood of peripheral PsA. Additionally, the absence of patient-reported swollen joints indicated a very low probability of establishing a diagnosis of peripheral PsA.
A Panoramic View of Ferroptosis in Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Cheng Xihao , Yu Chao , Yang Xinquan , Wang Fudi , Min Junxia
Published: March 2023

Background: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of disease burden worldwide. Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death, is characterized by the lethal accumulation of lipid peroxidation, which is morphologically, biochemically, and genetically distinct from apoptosis, necrosis, and pyroptosis. Emerging evidence provides exciting novel insights to allow for a deeper understanding of the physiology and pathology of ferroptosis in CVD. Summary: The rapidly evolving insights into ferroptosis have revealed its role in the pathogenesis of diverse forms of CVD, including cardiomyopathy, heart failure, atherosclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease. Various types of metabolic pathways are involved in the regulation of ferroptosis, including iron metabolism, lipid metabolism, and redox metabolism. Modulators of ferroptosis, such as several clinical drugs, preclinical compounds, and other emerging materials, have been applied as promising approaches in the prevention and treatment of CVD. Key Message: In this review, we provide a 360 degree view of the latest progress in the field of ferroptosis in CVD, highlight the pathogenic role of ferroptosis in CVD, and also discuss the importance and future directions of targeting ferroptosis in CVD.
Increased Risk of Suicide Attempt in Patients with Alopecia Areata: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Wang Li-Hsin , Ma Sheng-Hsiang , Tai Ying-Hsuan , Dai Ying-Xiu , Chang Yun-Ting , Chen Tzeng-Ji , Chen Mu-Hong
Published: March 2023

Background: There is growing evidence that patients with alopecia areata (AA) have an increased risk of developing psychiatric comorbidities. However, the relationship between AA and suicidal behaviors remains unclear. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the association between AA and suicidal behaviors. Methods: Participants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan, including 10,515 patients with AA and 10,5150 matched controls, to assess the risk of suicide attempts. A Cox regression model was used for all analyses. Results: Compared with the controls, an increased risk of suicide attempts was observed in patients with AA, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 6.28 (95% confidence interval, 4.47–8.81). Suicide risk remained significantly elevated in AA patients when stratified by underlying psychiatric disorders. The mean age of initial suicidal behaviors was also lower in patients with AA. Conclusions: Patients with AA had a significantly higher incidence of suicidal attempts than controls, regardless of concurrent psychiatric illness. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiology of the association between AA and suicidality. In addition, dermatologists should be aware of the increased suicidality of patients with AA.
Time-Related Evidence of Intestinal Oxidative Stress in Obstructive Jaundice-Induced Rats
Authors: Angelis Apostolos , Kostakis Ioannis D. , Lilimpakis Konstantinos , Kalaitzopoulou Electra , Papadea Polyxeni , Skipitari Marianna , Georgiou Christos D. , Vagianos Costas
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Obstructive jaundice is known to affect intestinal permeability and facilitate bacterial translocation through related mechanisms. This study was conducted to evaluate the alterations concerning blood biochemistry and levels of several markers of oxidative stress (OS) in blood and intestinal mucosa caused by obstructive jaundice and how these fluctuate over time, in order to further explore the possibility of intervening in the OS path in future experiments. Methods: A total of 54 albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into three groups (control, sham operated, and bile duct ligation) and sacrificed at specific time intervals (12 h and 2, 7, and 14 days). The intestinal barrier function was evaluated by measuring endotoxin levels in portal, aortic, and peripheral blood. Also, basic biochemical parameters were simultaneously measured in peripheral blood. Tissue samples collected from the terminal ileum were homogenized for determining the OS markers, lipid peroxidation, and protein-free radical-induced oxidation. Results: We designed this experiment to examine the alterations in enteric mucosa primarily in relation to OS in a period of 14 days. During this time period, we investigated in specific time intervals not only OS fluctuations but also other liver function parameters, as well as CRP and endotoxin levels. The alterations were monitored in relation to time after bile duct ligation. Conclusion: Bile duct ligation in rats causes OS versus post-ligation time progression of the common bile duct. OS was increased by ∼50% compared to control/sham and peaked at 7 days and at least up to 14 days post-ligation. This phenomenon was accompanied with a deranging of liver function after ligation, as anticipated, but not in all measured parameters; biochemical and endotoxin levels followed the same pattern.
Analyzing performance of deep learning models under the presence of distortions in identifying plant leaf disease
Authors: Sandotra Neha , Mahajan Palak , Abrol Pawanesh , Lehana Parveen Kumar
Published: March 2023

Convolutional neural networks (CNN) trained using deep learning (DL) have advanced dramatically in recent years. Researchers from a variety of fields have been motivated by the success of CNNs in computer vision to develop better CNN models for use in other visually-rich settings. Successes in image classification and research have been achieved in a wide variety of domains throughout the past year. Among the many popularized image classification techniques, the detection of plant leaf diseases has received extensive research. As a result of the nature of the procedure, image quality is often degraded and distortions are introduced during the capturing of the image. In this study, we look into how various CNN models are affected by distortions. Corn-maze leaf photos from the 4,188-image corn or maize leaf Dataset (split into four categories) are under consideration. To evaluate how well they handle noise and blur, researchers have deployed pre-trained deep CNN models like visual geometry group (VGG), InceptionV3, ResNet50, and EfficientNetB0. Classification accuracy and metrics like as recall and f1-score are used to evaluate CNN performance.
Smart door access control system based on QR code
Authors: Jain Agrim , Panwar Abhinav , Azam Mohd. , Khanam Ruqaiya
Published: March 2023

Wirelessly based security applications have exploded as a result of modern technology. To build and/or implement security access control systems, many types of wireless communication technologies have been deployed. quick response (QR code) is a contactless technology that is extensively utilised in a variety of sectors, including access control, library book tracking, supply chains, and tollgate systems, among others. This paper combines QR code technology with Arduino and Python to construct an automated QR code-based access management system. After detecting a QR code, the QR scanner at the entry collects and compares the user's unique identifier (UID) with the UID recorded in the system. The results show that this system is capable of granting or denying access to a protected environment in a timely, effective, and reliable way. Security systems can protect physical and intellectual property by preventing unauthorized persons from entering the area. Many door locks, such as mechanical and electrical locks, were created to meet basic security needs but it also helps to create a data files structure of the authorized persons.
E-government implementation's impact on Saudi vision 2030 to become an international logistic center
Authors: Alhujaili Razan , Albaqami Malak , Aboulola Omar , Khayyat Mashael
Published: March 2023

This study examined the influence of electronic government (e-government) implementation for the Ministry of Transport on fulfilling Saudi vision 2030 by transforming the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) into a logistics center linking three continents. Saudi vision 2030 aims to cut transportation costs by improving infrastructure, shorten importing and exporting times by streamlining and automating operations, and increase supply chain transparency through sector reform. Implementing e-government would improve government services and engagement through information and communication technology (ICT). This article focuses on four primary areas: i) making KSA a logistics center; ii) increasing the chance of living throughout the Kingdom; and iii) promoting long-term financial sustainability. The study is founded on the idea that logistics is a crucial component for competitive advantage and transportation (by land, sea, or air) is a logistical sub-process for Saudi enterprises that benefit from transport networks similar to the best in the world. The Kingdom's strategic location at the junction of three continents gives its transport sector a geographical competitive advantage that provides access to important emerging markets and critical sea lanes. Despite the optimistic future of the transport and logistics industries in KSA, some important hurdles must be overcome.
Comparison of three common software-defined network controllers
Authors: Kartadie Rikie , Prayitno Edy
Published: March 2023

The software-defined network (SDN) controller adds and removes the contents of the flow table through secure channels to determine how packets are processed and how the flow table is managed. The controller pays attention to network intelligence and becomes the middle part, where the network manages the transfer data of the aircraft delivered via the OpenFlow (OF) switch. To this end, the controller provides an interface for managing, controlling, and managing this switch flow table. Run tests to calculate controller throughput and latency levels and test using the cbance tool, which can test transmission control protocol (TCP) and user datagram protocol (UDP) protocols. The tests are run by forcing the controller to run at maximum without any additional settings (default settings) in order to use the correct information about the controller’s capabilities. Because of this need, you need to test the performance of your controller. In this study, the tests were run on three popular controllers. Test results show that flowed controllers are more stable than open network operating dystem (ONOS) and open daylight (ODL) controllers in managing switch and host loads.
Evaluating the level of inteference in UMTS/LTE heterogeneous network system
Authors: Scholastica Ukamaka Nnebe , Isaac Ochim Odeh , Chinenye Sunday Okafor , Oluchi Christiana Ugbe
Published: March 2023

The study evaluated interference in a dense heterogeneous network using third-generation universal mobile telecommunication systems (UMTS) and fourth-generation long term evolution (LTE) networks LTE. The UMTs/LTE heterogeneous network determines the level of interference when the two communication systems coexist and how to improve the network by migrating from UMTs to LTE, which has a faster download speed and larger capacity. Techno lite 8 on third generation (3G) and Infinix Pro 6 on fourth generation (4G) were used to measure network the received signal strength (RSS) during site investigation. UE interference was detected and traced using a spectrum analyzer. UMTS and LTE path loss exponents are 2.6 and 3.2. Shannon's capacity theorem calculated LTE and UMTS capacity. When signal to interference and noise ratio (SINR) was used as a quality of service (QoS) indicator, MATLAB channel capacity plots did not match Shannon's due to neighboring interference. UMTS had an R2 of 0.54 and LTE 0.57 for the Shannon channel capacity equation. Adjacent channel interference (ACI) user devices reduce network capacity, lowering QoS for other customers.
Endovascular Versus Medical Management of Atherosclerotic Renovascular Disease: Update and Emerging Concepts
Authors: Pappaccogli Marco , Robberechts Tom , Lengelé Jean-Philippe , Van der Niepen Patricia , Sarafidis Pantelis , Rabbia Franco , Persu Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Atherosclerotic renovascular disease is the most frequent cause of renovascular hypertension and its prevalence increases with age and in specific subset of patients, such as those with end-stage chronic kidney disease, heart failure, and coronary artery disease. Besides hypertension, atherosclerotic renovascular disease is responsible for several clinical manifestations, including life-threatening conditions, such as recurrent flash pulmonary edema, rapidly progressive chronic kidney disease, or acute kidney injury. Atherosclerotic renovascular disease is usually part of a more diffuse atherosclerotic process and requires a combination therapy including antihypertensive, antiplatelet and lipid-lowering agents, as well as optimization of antidiabetic treatment, if needed. Besides medical therapy, percutaneous renal angioplasty was supposed to be the most effective therapy for atherosclerotic renovascular disease, by leading to blood flow restoration. However, despite an apparently solid rationale, several randomized clinical trials failed to confirm the favorable effects of percutaneous renal angioplasty on blood pressure control, kidney function, cardiovascular and renal outcomes, previously reported in observational, retrospective and single-center cohorts, switching off the enthusiasm for this procedure. Several studies’ limitations may partly account for this failure, including heterogeneity of diagnostic techniques, overestimation of the degree of renal artery stenosis, inappropriate timing of revascularization, multiple protocol revisions, frequent crossovers, and most importantly exclusion of patients at higher likelihood to respond to angioplasty. The purpose of this review is to summarize studies’ potential weaknesses and provide guidance to the clinician for identification of patients who may benefit most from revascularization.
Emotions at Work: Acknowledging Interspecies Emotional Labor of Guide Dog Mobility Instructors
Authors: Warda Tiamat
Published: March 2023

Emotional labor is the management of feelings to present appropriate emotion displays in work-related interactions. This paper acknowledges the emotional labor of guide dog mobility instructors in their work for and with guide dogs. It is interspersed with personal vignettes from my time as a guide dog mobility instructor. While educating canines, instructors conduct both deep and surface acting to improve their relationship with and education of the canines they live and work with. Although challenging, it has the potential to be enjoyable. During their work with visually impaired clients, instructors may place a stronger focus on acoustic versus visual emotion displays. The hope is that initiating this discussion can motivate efforts to proactively support the emotional labor of instructors and improve their relationships with their guide dog co-workers and clients as a result.
Taxonomic and phylogenic appraisal of Pestalotiopsis linguae sp. nov., and a new record of P. nanjingensis from Pyrrosia lingua (Polypodiaceae) in Southern China
Authors: LI HUA , MANAWASINGHE ISHARA S. , ZHANG YUNXIA , SENANAYAKE INDUNIL C.
Published: March 2023

Pyrrosia lingua (Thunb.); Farwell is an epiphytic fern belonging to Polypodiaceae. As a plant with high medicinal value, Py. lingua has been introduced and cultivated in worldwide. In this study, Py. lingua samples were collected in Guangzhou city, Guangdong Province, China, and endophytic fungal strains were obtained using tissue isolation. Isolated fungi were identified based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic approaches. The phylogenetic analyses and pairwise homoplasy index was done using the sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), beta-tubulin (tub2) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef 1-α). Based on the combined approaches, a new species, Pestalotiopsis linguae and a new host record, P. nanjingensis have been identified. This is the first recorded Pestalotiopsis species on Py. lingua worldwide. The species descriptions and illustrations have been provided for the new species and the host record. The results of this study have an important contribution to understanding the endophytic fungal diversity of Py. lingua and provide an essential platform for better research on the application value of Py. lingua plants in the future.
New species and records of earthworms (Annelida, Oligochaeta: Crassiclitellata) in small holder farming systems in the Peruvian Amazon
Authors: FEIJOO M. ALEXANDER , LAVELLE PATRICK
Published: March 2023

We examined external characters and internal anatomy, after dorsal dissection, of 11 species of Oligochaeta from the Peruvian Amazonia Loreto department. Four new species of families Glossoscolecidae and Rhinodrilidae and genera Righiodrilus and Martiodrilus are described here. Righiodrilus omagua, sp. nov., differs from other Righiodrilus by the presence of tubercula pubertatis in segments ½15, 15- ½18, 18; male pores located in intersegment 16/17; large seminal vesicles in segment 12 that extend until segment 24. Martiodrilus (Maipure) yurimaguensis, sp. nov., has a saddle-shaped clitellum in 14–1/4 25 and tubercula pubertatis between segments 1/318 –1/2 25. Martiodrilus (Maipure) tapiai, sp. nov., is differentiated from the others by the position of the tubercula pubertatis in 19–24, and the shape and size of spermathecae, common setae, ornamentation of genital setae and the location of male pores in intersegment 18/19. Martiodrilus (Martiodrilus) alegrei sp. nov., differs from other species of the genus by extension of tubercula pubertatis from 21 to 26, the number and shape of spermathecae. It is the only species of the genus that presents a single pair of spermathecae in segment 6. Additional records for the Peruvian Republic and the Amazonian region are also reported for Martiodrilus (Maipure) pano, Periscolex yuya, Pontoscolex (Pontoscolex) corethrurus, Rhinodrilus lavellei, Rhinodrilus pahanasii, Dichogaster (Diplothecodrilus) modiglianii and Ocnerodrilus occidentalis. With these new records, the earthworm fauna of Perú recorded so far increases to 36 species (21 native and 15 exotic), including eight native from Peruvian Amazonia Region. Many more species are still expected to be found.
Afrotropical ground beetles of Macrocheilus Hope, 1838 (Coleoptera, Carabidae): description of four new species and faunistic notes
Authors: SERRANO ARTUR R. M.
Published: March 2023

Four new species of Afrotropical ground beetles of the genus Macrocheilus Hope, 1838 (Coleoptera, Carabidae) are described: M. assmanni n. sp. from Tanzania, M. kudrnai n. sp. from Benin and Burkina Faso, M. philippeorum n. sp. from Benin, Burkina Faso and Senegal and M. schuelei n. sp. from Central African Republic. An annotated checklist of 19 Afrotropical species and subspecies is provided, including data on general distribution and new distribution records at country level. Further, a dichotomic key is made available for the identification of the Afrotropical (excluding Madagascar) Macrocheilus species and subspecies and diagnosing morphological characters of both males and females are illustrated.
Utility of Abbreviated Small Bowel Follow Through Study in the Management of Small Bowel Obstruction
Authors: Peterson John , Cox Caroline , Unrue Emily , Steed R. , Mentzer Caleb , Currence Cragin , Mount Michael
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Small bowel obstruction is a common surgical complaint. Most small bowel obstructions are managed successfully nonoperatively. Unanimous guidelines for nonoperative management of small bowel obstruction do not exist.

Methods

A standardized protocol for water-soluble contrast administration and abbreviated small bowel follow through imaging was implemented in January of 2021. A retrospective chart review identified 111 patients admitted for SBO from 6/2019 to 9/2019 for a control group. A planned follow-up review identified 158 patients managed according to the new protocol from 3/2021 to 10/2021. The primary outcome was in-hospital length of stay. Standard statistical analyses were performed and pre-specified.

Results

Before implementation of the standardized protocol patients that were managed strictly nonoperatively, the mean length of stay (LOS) was 8.3 days. After implementation, the average LOS was 4.8 (P < .0001). Comparatively, patients admitted after protocol implementation were more likely to undergo CT scan with PO contrast on admission (98.1% vs 90.1%; P < .005), undergo NG tube decompression (84.7% vs 68.5%; P < .005), and undergo water-soluble contrast with abbreviated or formal SBFT (75.3% vs 37.8%; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Implementation of a standardized protocol utilizing abbreviated SBFT with water-soluble contrast for the management of SBO at our institution resulted in a decrease in the average length of stay for patients definitively managed in a nonoperative fashion.
Retention of Knowledge After Opioid Education in Surgical Interns
Authors: Arndt Kevin R. , Robinson Kortney A. , Yorkgitis Brian , Brat Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Background

In many academic centers, opioid prescribing is managed primarily by residents with little or no formal opioid education. The present study evaluates intern knowledge and comfort with appropriate opioid prescribing 7 months after an organized opioid education effort.

Materials and Methods

A repeat knowledge and attitude survey was sent to surgical interns who had completed an initial opioid education training session 7 months before the study. Results were compared to post-education assessment results in the same cohort.

Setting

16 general surgery and podiatric surgery interns at a single academic medical center.

Results

The mean percentage of correct answers on follow-up was 67.6% identical to the average post-session score of 67.6%. Interns reported comfort with opioid prescribing increased to a mean score of 5.9 (out of 10) on follow-up compared to post-session score of 5.19.

Conclusions

Surgical interns have significant gaps in knowledge for optimal prescribing and management of opioid prescriptions. Targeted education demonstrates significant and lasting improvement in opioid assessment scores, but there remains room for improvement.
The Influence of Side-Lying Position on Oropharyngeal Swallow Function in At-Risk Infants: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Smith Julian B. , Kamarunas Erin , O’Donoghue Cynthia
Published: March 2023

This investigation assessed the effect of side-lying position on infant oropharyngeal swallow physiology. Infant modified barium swallow studies (MBS) recordings were retrospectively examined in matched-pairs comparing at-risk infants swallowing in both an upright/cradled position and a side-lying position. Swallow parameters were measured independently and through a consensus coding approach. Infants fed in side-lying position showed a decrease in airway invasion severity as compared with when those same infants were fed in an upright/cradled position ( P = .009). Bolus location at the time of swallow initiation was higher when infants were fed in side-lying position as compared with cradle position ( P = .024), representing decreased risk of airway invasion. Infants fed in side-lying position demonstrated fewer swallows per breaths ( P = .032). This pilot study validates the need for additional research to further define the mechanisms related to this improvement, and to determine how diagnosis and medical stability moderate these findings.
Reducing Re-arrest Through Community-Led, Police-Initiated Restorative Justice Diversion Tailored for Youth
Authors: Beckman Kara J. , Jewett Patricia I. , Gaҫad Angeline , Borowsky Iris W.
Published: March 2023

Restorative justice diversion aligns with youths’ developmental needs more than traditional approaches. However, there is a research gap regarding its effectiveness among diverse youth, and when initiated by police. This study evaluated misdemeanor cases that occurred in Minneapolis between September 2014 and December 2018 finding that youth who participated in restorative justice diversion after arrest were less likely to experience re-arrest in the following year compared to those processed traditionally. Positive program impacts for Black and American Indian youth demonstrate RJ diversion can be effective with diverse youth while differences in rates of successful diversion by participating community agency highlight opportunities for further study. This study demonstrates the importance of continuing to understand and expand restorative justice diversion with youth.
Sealed Off Heritage: Navigating Hitler's Bunker in Postwar Berlin
Authors: Sharples Caroline
Published: March 2023

Scholarly debates about the ‘difficult heritage’ associated with National Socialism typically rest with the preservation, memorialization or eradication of the visible remains of the Third Reich. Heritage, though, is more than a tangible place or object. It is also a process of social and cultural engagement where acts of remembrance (or concealment) reflect contemporary politics and social values. The tension between a distinct sense of historical place and the present-day reality of a voided landscape is illustrated keenly through a case study of Adolf Hitler's Berlin Führerbunker. Despite being physically absent from today's cityscape, Hitler's bunker has long generated both concern about the potential for becoming a neo-Nazi pilgrimage site, and curiosity among international tourists, keen to see where the Nazi dictator met his end. Tracing tourist activity since 1945, and exploring recurring efforts to contain, destroy or expose the site, this article posits that the Führerbunker has become an effective countermemorial, its very absence from the contemporary cityscape sparking public discussions among visitors and fostering a critical, grassroots reflection upon the challenges of handling legacies of dictatorship.
Trends in Relative Age Effects of Top-Level Female Soccer Players: A Japanese Study
Authors: Matsuda Shigeki , Ishigaki Hiroaki
Published: March 2023

We investigated recent trends in relative age effect (RAE) findings of top-level female soccer players in Japan, using data from the 2016 to 2020 seasons. We conducted two main analyses: (a) An examination of RAE for all registered players in the Japan Women’s Soccer League (Nadeshiko League) from 2016 to 2020; and (b) an examination of RAE of newly registered players in the league from 2017 to 2020. In the first analysis, we found a significant difference between the number of players born in Q1 (April–June) versus Q4 (January–March), with the number of players born in Q1 greater and with the ratio between these groups ranging from 1.5 to 1.7. In the second analysis, we found a significant relationship between Q1 and Q4 for the 2017 season alone. However, the Q1/Q4 ratio ranged from 1.4 to 1.9, and the semester ratio of S1 (Q1 + Q2))/S2 (Q3 + Q4) ranged from 1.2 to 1.3, suggesting a birth month bias. Thus, there was a RAE in female soccer players playing recently in Japan’s top-level leagues; and the size of the effect did not change significantly across recent seasons.
Discrete event simulation of vessel stationkeeping operations in ice-rich waters
Authors: Pearson Wayne , Islam Mohammed , Lau Michael , Gash Robert , Mills Jason
Published: March 2023

This paper describes a high-fidelity numerical model that simulates vessel stationkeeping operations in ice-rich waters. The discrete event simulation engine incorporates several novel features, including new ice floe failure models for bow and midships locations; an ice floe creation strategy that facilitates rafting of ice floes; and a vessel thruster model that takes into account physical limitations such as thruster angle slew rates and propeller ramp rates. It accommodates a wide range of ice field specifications and runs in real-time on a standard desktop personal computer (Intel® Core™ i7 Processor or equivalent). The model has been validated using physical measurements of a generic drillship model in several broken ice conditions; it predicted thruster forces and motions that were comparable to those observed during dynamic positioning operations.
The New in the Old: Celebrating Fifty Years of Modernization of Indian Tradition
Authors: Gupta Dipankar
Published: March 2023

The most startling feature of Modernization of Indian Tradition is that it was so ahead of its times when it appeared in 1973 that most of us missed its full import. In those years there was, in the main, a simplistic understanding of modernisation as its markers were primarily technological achievements and western lifestyles, even affectations. In this book, Professor Yogendra Singh broke away from such formulaic renditions and instead proposed a social and relational view of modernisation where the principal emphasis was on how people interacted with one another and not on prowess facility with superior technical facilities or exterior presentation. Today we can appreciate the relevance of this approach for the drawbacks of correlating modernisation with things has proved to be inadequate, when not misleading, as it gives a skewed appreciation of the subject. Consequently, Enlightenment too gets a fresh coating for it now largely centres around the conditions of knowledge generation, which includes interpersonal relationships, and not on finished products of science. A person may, therefore, be very knowledgeable yet may remain quite un-modern when interacting with others.
The Effects of Omitting Components in a Multilevel Model With Social Network Effects
Authors: Suesse Thomas , Steel David , Tranmer Mark
Published: March 2023

Multilevel models are often used to account for the hierarchical structure of social data and the inherent dependencies to produce estimates of regression coefficients, variance components associated with each level, and accurate standard errors. Social network analysis is another important approach to analysing complex data that incoproate the social relationships between a number of individuals. Extended linear regression models, such as network autoregressive models, have been proposed that include the social network information to account for the dependencies between persons. In this article, we propose three types of models that account for both the multilevel structure and the social network structure together, leading to network autoregressive multilevel models. We investigate theoretically and empirically, using simulated data and a data set from the Dutch Social Behavior study, the effect of omitting the levels and the social network on the estimates of the regression coefficients, variance components, network autocorrelation parameter, and standard errors.
Curtailing fake news creation and dissemination in Nigeria: Twitter social network and sentiment analysis approaches
Authors: Gbaje Ezra Shiloba , Agwu Chinyelu , Odigie Imoisili Ojeime , Dauda Yani Sarah
Published: March 2023

Influencers create and facilitate dissemination of information in a network and can shape the attitudes and beliefs of members of a social network. Identifying the influencers and their relations, as well as the sentiment of tweets being disseminated in the network on some selected keywords can help curtail fake news creation and dissemination in the network. This study uses a sequential mixed-methods design with a quantitative method followed by qualitative methods. The quantitative data were collected using Mozdeh big data analysis software. Mozdeh software was used to collect tweets through Twitter’s Streaming application programming interface to build a corpus of tweets, collected from 1 January 2016 to 30 June 2021. The study found two major actors/influencers involved in the creation and dissemination of fake news on the tweeter social network studied. The study further found overall Av. Pos. − Av. Neg. was −0.9935. Data collected were on some specific trending keywords on a particular region in Nigeria. Identifying and monitoring the tweets of influencers in a network can aid in debunking fake news immediately after dissemination and discourage the use of offensive words in tweets. The results revealed major influencers responsible for creating and disseminating fake news on some trending issues in Nigeria.
Contesting Reports of Racism, Contesting the Rights to Assess
Authors: Zhang Tianhao
Published: March 2023

Analyzing a thread of online interaction, I apply conversation analysis and discursive psychology methods to explicate how experiences of racism are reported and contested by participants in interaction. The person reporting their experience of racism (the reporter) applies commonsense knowledge to assess the perpetrator's racist intent. Recipients of the report contest the reporter's rights to assess the perpetrator's intent while managing their lack of independent access to the reported encounter. In milder contestations, they cast doubt while avoiding assessing the situation themselves, which leads to negotiations over the accusation without contesting the correctness of the reporter's assessment. In aggravated contestations, recipients explicitly contest the reporter's assessment of the perpetrator, which leads to interactional breakdowns where moral culpabilities of both sides are implicated. Implications for understanding the moral difficulties involved in accusing racism, the interactional contingencies involved in responding to and contesting such accusations, and members’ understandings of racism are discussed.