bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Noncoding RNA MIR4435-2HG Suppresses Colorectal Cancer Initiation and Progression By Reprogramming Neutrophils
Authors: Yu Hongfei , Chen Chaoyi , Han Fengyan , Tang Jinlong , Deng Mengli , Niu Yumiao , Lai Maode , Zhang Honghe
Published: July 2022

MIR4435-2HG, also known as LINC00978, has previously been described as an oncogenic long noncoding RNA (lncRNA). However, we show here that Mir4435-2hg depletion promoted colorectal tumorigenesis and progression in in vivo models of colitis-associated colorectal cancer, spontaneous intestinal adenomatous polyposis, and subcutaneous tumors. Alteration of MIR4435-2HG in colorectal cancer cells did not change the potential for cell proliferation, migration, or invasion in vitro. RNAscope assays showed that most MIR4435-2HG was located in the tumor stroma, which caused high expression of MIR4435-2HG in colorectal cancer tumor tissue. Transcriptome analysis of colorectal cancer tissues from wild-type and Mir4435-2hg–deficient mice revealed Mir4435-2hg as a tumor suppressor gene that regulated the immune microenvironment. Loss of Mir4435-2hg led to a decline in neutrophils and elevation of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSC). In tissue-specific Mir4435-2hg knockout mice, we confirmed that Mir4435-2hg depletion in neutrophils, but not in intestinal epithelial cells, promoted colorectal cancer progression. Mechanistically, Mir4435-2hg depletion enhanced the immunosuppressive ability of PMN-MDSCs by disturbing their fatty acid metabolism. These findings suggest that MIR4435-2HG is a tumor-suppressing lncRNA whose deficiency could increase tumor-infiltrating PMN-MDSCs and enhance the immunosuppressive potential of PMN-MDSCs to promote colorectal cancer development. This provides a theoretical basis for further illustrating the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and a potential antitumor immunotherapy target.
Real-World Effectiveness of Lipid-Lowering Medications on Outcomes after Stroke: Potential Implications of the New-User Design
Authors: Olaiya Muideen T. , Andrew Nadine E. , Dalli Lachlan L. , Ung David , Kim Joosup , Cadilhac Dominique A. , Wood Peter , May Janet , Clissold Ben , Kilkenny Monique F. ,   on behalf of the PRECISE investigators
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Observational studies are increasingly being used to provide evidence on the real-world effectiveness of medications for preventing vascular diseases, such as stroke. We investigated whether the real-world effectiveness of treatment with lipid-lowering medications after ischemic stroke is affected by prevalent-user bias. Methods: An observational cohort study of 90-day survivors of ischemic stroke using person-level data from the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry (2012–2016; 45 hospitals) linked to administrative (pharmaceutical, hospital, death) records. The use of, and adherence to (proportion of days covered <80% [poor adherence] vs. ≥80% [good adherence]), lipid-lowering medications within 90 days post-discharge was determined from pharmaceutical records. Users were further classified as prevalent (continuing) or new users, based on dispensing within 90 days prior to stroke. A propensity score-adjusted Cox regression was used to evaluate the effectiveness of lipid-lowering medications on outcomes (all-cause mortality, all-cause and cardiovascular disease readmission) within the subsequent year. Analyses were undertaken using prevalent-user (all users vs. nonusers) and new-user designs (new users vs. nonusers). Results: Of 11,217 eligible patients (median age 72 years, 42% female), 9,294 (83%) used lipid-lowering medications within 90 days post-discharge, including 5,479 new users. In both prevalent-user and new-user designs, nonusers (vs. users) had significantly greater rates of mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 2.35, 95% CI: 1.89–2.92) or all-cause readmissions (HR 1.22, 95% CI: 1.05–1.40) but not cardiovascular disease readmission. In contrast, associations between having poor (vs. good) adherence on outcomes were stronger among new users than all users. Among new users, having poor adherence was associated with greater rates of mortality (HR 1.48, 95% CI: 1.12–1.96), all-cause readmission (HR 1.14, 95% CI: 1.02–1.27), and cardiovascular disease readmission (HR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.01–1.42). Conclusions: The real-world effectiveness of treatment with lipid-lowering medications after stroke is attenuated when evaluated based on prevalent-user rather than new-user design. These findings may have implications for designing studies on the real-world effectiveness of secondary prevention medications.
Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Lu Hongji , Ma Shengsuo , Wu Qianxin , Xu Huachong , Deng Li
Published: July 2022

Background: Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune skin disease that affects 2–3% of the world’s population. Lesions are mainly found on the limbs, trunk, and scalp, but may also affect other parts of the body, and the cause is not yet known. The chronic and relapsing nature of psoriasis makes it one of the most complex and important diseases in current dermatology research. Methods: The search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Internet, Wanfang Data, VIP journals database, and Chinese biomedical literature database (CBM). The retrieval time limit was from the establishment of the database to January 2021. The quality of the selected literature was evaluated, and ReView Manager 5.3 was used for meta-analysis after randomized controlled trials were filtered. Results: Finally, 16 randomized controlled trials involving 1,967 patients were included. The total effective rate (OR = 3.68, 95% CI [2.73, 4.95], p < 0.00001), cure rate (OR = 2.01, 95% CI [1.62, 2.49], p < 0.00001), and PASI score (OR = –1.83, 95% CI [–2.39, –1.26], p < 0.00001) of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) were superior to the Diyin tablet. Conclusion: In the treatment of psoriasis, TCM shows higher efficacy than the Diyin tablet. However, due to the limitations of the included literature, we still need more double-blind, placebo-controlled trials with large samples and multiple centers to provide high-quality clinical evidence.
Firefly analytical hierarchy algorithm for optimal allocation and sizing of DG in distribution network
Authors: Bujal Noor Ropidah , Abdul Kadir Aida Fazliana , Sulaiman Marizan , Manap Sulastri , Sulaima Mohamad Fani
Published: July 2022

Distributed generation (DG) can be beneficially allocated in distribution power systems to improve the power system's efficiency. However, specious DG's allocation and sizing may cause more power loss and voltage profile issues for distribution feeders. Therefore, optimization algorithms are vital for future intelligent power distribution network planning. Hence, this study proposes a multi-objective firefly analytical hierarchy algorithm (FAHA) for determining the optimal allocation and sizing of DG. The multi-objective function formulation is improved further by integrating analytical hierarchy process (AHP) with FA to obtain the weight of the coefficient factor (CF). The performance of the proposed approach is verified on the 118-bus radial distribution network with different bus voltage at DG location (VDG) as regulated PV-bus during load flow calculations. The calculated CF and impact of the unregulated voltage at the PV-bus on the objectives function have been analysed. The findings show that the proposed techniques could allocate the DG at the most voltage deviation while minimizing the power loss and improving the radial distribution’s voltage stability index (VSI). The experimental results indicate that the approach is able to improve the overall voltage profile, especially at PQ-buses, minimize the power loss while improving the network's stability index simultaneously.
The optimal order configuration of turbines in a small hydropower plant: A case study of the Lepenci River in Kosovo
Authors: Bresa Arlinda , Dragusha Bedri , Berisha Xhevat , Selimaj Rexhep
Published: July 2022

Decentralized electricity production from small hydropower plants used for domestic and ancillary services has been established among the most reliable renewable energy sources for isolated locations. However, many factors impact the energy efficiency and the production capacity of such hydropower plants, one of these factors being the order configuration of the connected turbines. Hence, this research presents a performance evaluation of a small hydropower plant consisting of three francis turbines, and it elicits the optimal order configuration of the connected operating turbines, that yields the highest power output under varying conditions. Three scenarios with different order configurations of turbines are presented and compared in a “run-of-the-river” setting, installed in the Lepenci River, in south-eastern Kosovo. Numerical analyses are used to evaluate the performance of each scenario. The results show that the order configuration of the operating turbines based on their connection order has a significant impact on the electricity production.
Reactive power control strategy for integrated photovoltaic inverter
Authors: Ehtesham Muhammad , Junaid Muhammad
Published: July 2022

Rising penetration of photovoltaic (PV) power also poses several threats to electrical system which demands proper inverter control schemes to be designed. One major issue is that as PV systems are inherently non-inertial in nature, they do not participate in regulating voltage or reactive power and hence become highly sensitive to external disturbances. Any perturbation in voltage or frequency may cause some serious consequences in terms of loss of transient stability and reliability. Thus controlling the PV inverter for smooth operation of system while interfacing with grid brings a challenging task of maintaining both voltage and frequency well within the acceptable limits. Another important aspect is intermittency in PV output which demands application of some advance tracking algorithms. Therefore, novel control strategies for PV interfacing have been presented in this paper. The proposed synchroconverter based inverter controller enables the system to inject both active and reactive powers and facilitates the integrated PV system to withstand voltage or frequency perturbation. Whereas an enhanced control algorithm is applied here that can estimate panel parameters precisely offering effective tracking for any conditional variance. Proposed synchroconverter based controllers have been analyzed through simulations for different spans of time according to voltage and frequency variations.
Simple finite-control-set model predictive control method for reducing common mode voltage in a three phase two-level voltage source inverter
Authors: Abdelaziz Fatima , Azzouz Zin-Eddine , Omari Abdelhafid
Published: July 2022

The common mode voltage (CMV) causes many issues and negatively affects the performance of the power system in a hybrid electric vehicle HEV. Therefore, this paper suggests a simple method for mitigating the common mode voltage CMV in a two level three phase voltage source inverter VSI with RL load. Hence, the technique chosen for this purpose is based on model predictive control. Otherwise, when compared to the standard method, this simple method can successfully mitigate CMV while also improving harmonic performance by lowering the total harmonic distortion THD. The purpose of this paper is reducing THD and CMV simultaneously utilizing only non-zero vectors. According to simulation results obtained by MATLAB-Simulink, this simple solution reduced CMV to ±𝑉𝑑𝑐 6 and THD from 3.49% to 3.39 % (10 % improvement) compared with the standard method, which mitigates CMV using the cost function.
A matriz do design na empresa (MDE): um modelo conceitual para análise do nível de inserção do design na empresa
Authors: Nolasco Angela Xavier de Souza , Sampaio Renelson Ribeiro
Published: July 2022

Design é reconhecido como uma das atividades que contribui para o ganho da competitividade das empresas de todos os portes. Com a criação do Programa Brasileiro do Design – PBD em 1995 iniciaram-se as ações de apoio ao Design, implementadas para fomentar a inserção do design no tecido produtivo nacional. O objeto deste artigo é a Micro e Pequena Empresa – MPE favorecidas por programas de ações com foco em design destinadas à competitividade. Neste artigo foi utilizada uma metodológica híbrida que congregou uma pesquisa qualitativa de base exploratória_ o Método Científico Tradicional _ e a Design Science Research que resultou em um artefato, um modelo conceitual. Assim, neste artigo, é descrito o Modelo Analítico Conceitual, denominado de Matriz do Design na Empresa – MDE, representativo do grau de permeabilidade do design enquanto vetor de inovação baseado em rotinas, apresentando, então, indicadores que compreendem as especificidades das MPEs que atuam em setores tradicionais, não tecnológicos. Propõe-se com este modelo conceitual contribuir na avaliação e identificação do estágio do design como vetor de inovação na empresa, nas MPEs, além de auxiliar na construção de cenários futuros baseado na predisposição da gestão da empresa para a inovação. Ressalta-se que o modelo conceitual é fruto da tese da autora e que neste artigo apresenta as suas bases conceituais e como usá-lo. A aplicação da MDE pode ser consultada na referida tese.
Um “porto maldito”: epidemias, cotidiano e medo - Santos (1880-1900)
Authors: Carmo Bruno Bortoloto do , Matos Maria Izilda Santos de
Published: July 2022

Estes escritos priorizam a análise das epidemias que atingiram Santos entre 1880-1900 num contexto de intensas transformações desta cidade-porto e da difusão das epidemias (febre amarela, varíola, peste bubônica, entre outras) cuja intensidade gerou a alcunha de “porto maldito”. Nesse contexto, discute-se as sensibilidades emergentes diante das vivências cotidianas dos surtos epidêmicos, tais como o medo — aqui observado como sentimento multifacetado, que durante a vigência das epidemias se tornou onipresente atingindo a todos pelo espectro da contaminação e da morte. A investigação encontra-se sedimentada numa ampla e diversificada documentação que inclui manuscritos do Arquivo Público de Santos, relatos de viajantes, imprensa local, nacional e internacional.
Joaquim Pimenta e o movimento operário e socialista em Pernambuco (1919-1921)
Authors: Castellucci Aldrin
Published: July 2022

Com base em ampla pesquisa feita na grande imprensa e na imprensa operária do Brasil, este artigo analisa o papel do advogado Joaquim Pimenta (1886-1963) na liderança da bem-sucedida greve geral de julho de 1919 no Recife e suas investidas para fundar um partido socialista de base operária em 1920 e 1921 em Pernambuco. São examinadas as razões do insucesso político-eleitoral de Pimenta, bloqueado pela forte resistência dos adeptos do anarquismo e do sindicalismo revolucionário na capital pernambucana. É comparado o movimento operário do Recife com os de outras cidades do país na mesma conjuntura e são analisadas suas similaridades e diferenças, inclusive quanto aos impactos da Primeira Guerra Mundial (1914-1918) e da Revolução Russa de 1917 sobre a dinâmica das greves gerais e da organização da classe trabalhadora no período.
Fotografia e Dominação: para uma história visual do colonialismo alemão (1884-1918)
Authors: Krachenski Naiara
Published: July 2022

A Sociedade Colonial Alemã esteve à frente do projeto de representação fotográfica da colonização alemã no continente africano entre 1884 e 1918. O aparato fotográfico foi um importante instrumento para a colonização não só pelo registro das atividades de europeus nas colônias, mas também porque foi um suporte privilegiado para a elaboração de um imaginário sobre a colonização. A partir do arquivo digital da Sociedade Colonial Alemã, buscamos compreender neste artigo o modo pelo qual o olhar fotográfico de tal instituição focalizou a paisagem colonial, fosse ela o espaço geográfico, fosse o espaço já com a interferência dos colonizadores. Além disso, buscamos também entender como tais fotografias foram responsáveis por construir uma narrativa sobre a colonização do espaço africano pelos alemães.
A diplomacia pontifícia e os refugiados judeus no Brasil (1939-1941): uma investigação preliminar nos arquivos de Pio XII
Authors: Santos Jair
Published: July 2022

O artigo analisa o papel da diplomacia pontifícia nas negociações entre o Vaticano e o governo de Getúlio Vargas para a concessão de vistos a refugiados judeus convertidos ao catolicismo (“católicos não arianos”) entre 1939 e 1941. Utilizando os arquivos do pontificado de Pio XII, abertos em março de 2020, e dialogando tanto com a historiografia brasileira a respeito das políticas migratórias quanto com a historiografia europeia recente dedicada ao catolicismo, a pesquisa pretende contribuir para o aprofundamento do debate acerca do papel da Igreja na questão dos refugiados judeus no Brasil.
As ulturas da Caridade das Beguinas de Marselha frente aos desafios da economia mercantil da Baixa Idade Média
Authors: Miatello André
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo, o Instituto das Damas de Roubaud de Marselha, fundado por Doucelina de Digne (1214-1274), é analisado a partir de seu envolvimento com a devoção penitencial leiga, que agitava as cidades da Provença e da Itália, na Baixa Idade Média, e de seu compromisso com as culturas da caridade, que inspiravam políticas de assistência social e de promoção de mulheres no cenário urbano. A partir da delimitação da experiência religiosa das beguinas de Marselha, discutem-se suas diferenças e semelhanças com o movimento beguino do norte europeu e sua relação com a renovação da vida religiosa e da piedade leiga no século XIII.
Atitudes dos profissionais de saúde frente a comportamento suicida: estudo de intervenção
Authors: Faria Jesiele Spindler , Marcon Samira Reschetti , Nespollo Alice Milani , Santos Hugo Gedeon Barros dos , Espinosa Mariano Martínez , Oliveira Kleici Kleslly Brito de , Lima Josemara Gomes da Silva
Published: July 2022

OBJETIVO Avaliar o efeito de uma intervenção educativa sobre comportamento suicida nas atitudes dos profissionais de saúde da atenção primária. MÉTODO Ensaio clínico randomizado por conglomerados, com amostra de 261 profissionais de saúde, provenientes de 22 unidades de saúde selecionados por amostragem estratificada, elegidos e alocados aleatoriamente, mediante sorteio, em dois grupos: intervenção (n = 87) e controle (n = 174). Os participantes do grupo intervenção foram expostos a uma capacitação sobre comportamento suicida com duração de 20 horas. Todos os 261 participantes foram avaliados, antes e após a intervenção, e os grupos foram comparados para avaliar a atitude frente ao comportamento suicida utilizando o Suicide Behavior Attitude Questionnaire (SBAQ), avaliação feita por comparação das médias via teste t-Student para amostras independentes e Teste t pareado para amostras dependentes. RESULTADOS O grupo intervenção, na comparação intragrupos antes e depois da capacitação, bem como na comparação com o grupo controle, demonstrou diferenças estatisticamente significativas nas atitudes frente ao comportamento suicida, avaliadas a partir das diferenças de scores nos domínios: “percepção da capacidade profissional”, em todos os quatro itens; “sentimento negativo”, em seis dos sete itens; e no domínio “direito ao suicídio”, três dos cinco itens. CONCLUSÃO A capacitação breve desenvolvida na atenção primária à saúde foi efetiva para a melhora das atitudes dos participantes que integravam o grupo intervenção frente ao comportamento suicida.
Resource Allocation in the Noise-Free Striatal Beat Frequency Model of Interval Timing
Authors: Oprisan Sorinel A. , Novo Dereck , Buhusi Mona , Buhusi Catalin V.
Published: July 2022

The Striatal Beat Frequency (SBF) model of interval timing uses many neural oscillators, presumably located in the frontal cortex (FC), to produce beats at a specific criterion time Tc. The coincidence detection produces the beats in the basal ganglia spiny neurons by comparing the current state of the FC neural oscillators against the long-term memory values stored at reinforcement time Tc. The neurobiologically realistic SBF model has been previously used for producing precise and scalar timing in the presence of noise. Here we simplified the SBF model to gain insight into the resource allocation problem in interval timing networks. Specifically, we used a noise-free SBF model to explore the lower limits of the number of neural oscillators required for producing accurate timing. Using abstract sine-wave neural oscillators in the SBF-sin model, we found that the lower limit of the number of oscillators needed is proportional to the criterion time Tc and the frequency span (fmax − fmin) of the FC neural oscillators. Using biophysically realistic Morris–Lecar model neurons in the SBF-ML model, the lower bound increased by one to two orders of magnitude compared to the SBF-sin model.
Taxonomic and nomenclatural notes on Kalanchoe bentii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: July 2022

The nomenclature and taxonomy of Kalanchoe bentii (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) are discussed and clarified, and an amplified description is provided for the species, in which two subspecies are recognised, i.e., K. bentii subsp. bentii and K. bentii subsp. somalica. The typification of the name K. bentii and, where necessary, its heterotypic synonyms is corrected.
Morphological diversification of alien and native aquatic snails of the genus Physa and Aplexa (Gastropoda: Physidae) of Western and Central European range
Authors: CIEPLOK ANNA , ANDERSON ROY , GAWLAK MAGDALENA , KAŁUSKI TOMASZ , SPYRA ANETA
Published: July 2022

This is the first comparative study on alien and native Physidae (Gastropoda: Heterobranchia) from Western and Central Europe. Morphology, ecological features and distribution are presented for each physid species. We analysed taxonomical features of physid snails from Europe in great detail. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) methods were used to elucidate the external morphology of the shells of physid gastropods that occur in Western and Central Europe. On comparison we found significant differences in the external morphology among the species. Morphological analyses facilitate the recognition of variations of physid shells. An interspecific similarities were noted within Physidae while interspecific differences were identified in the morphology of apex and spires. The lowest intraspecific variability in shells was noted between particular individuals of P. fontinalis and A. hypnorum. The most characteristic features and differences of representatives of Physidae are presented and discussed. This is especially important for the identification of Physa gyrina and the worldwide invasive species Physa acuta which resemble each other in shape and are difficult to distinguish. We also present a new identification key for physid species, including the results of ecological assessment and discuss current distribution of these species in Europe.
Taxonomic reappraisal of Hynobius tokyoensis, with description of a new species from northeastern Honshu, Japan (Amphibia: Caudata)
Authors: MATSUI MASAFUMI , MISAWA YASUCHIKA , YOSHIKAWA NATSUHIKO , NISHIKAWA KANTO
Published: July 2022

Previous phylogenetic studies based on mitochondrial DNA data have consistently suggested that Hynobius tokyoensis consists of two major clades, clade A (northern clade) and clade B (southern clade). In this study, we newly estimated their population genetic structure and phylogenetic relationships by nuclear SNPs, and the results suggested heterospecific relationships of the two mitochondrial clades, without present hybridization in between. They were also recognized as morphologically different. The type locality of H. tokyoensis is in Tokyo Prefecture, and therefore clade B corresponds to H. tokyoensis sensu stricto, leaving clade A without available scientific name. We, thus, describe the clade A from northeastern Kanto to southern Tohoku as a new species Hynobius sengokui. The new species is distinguished from H. tokyoensis by its relatively longer axilla-groin distance, shorter trunk, and deeper vomerine teeth series, and is estimated to have diverged from it during the late Pliocene.
Molecular and morphological identification of frog species collected at Rara Lake in Rara National Park, Nepal
Authors: SHRESTHA BIRAJ , SUWAL SANEJ P , PANDEY BINITA , JOSHI JYOTI , MANANDHAR PRAJWOL , KARMACHARYA DIBESH , OHLER ANNEMARIE , DUBOIS ALAIN , O’CONNELL KYLE A.
Published: July 2022

This study seeks to clarify the taxonomic identity of three adult frogs and two tadpoles from Rara Lake situated in Rara National Park, Mugu district, Western Nepal, using both phenotypic and mitochondrial sequence data (16S rRNA gene). Based on the molecular data, we determined our specimens belonged to two species; Paa cf. ercepeae (Dubois, 1974) and Paa rarica (Dubois, Matsui, and Ohler, 2001), and this assignment is also supported by morphology. Principal component analysis of phenotypic data clustered species into large-bodied (SVL > 55 mm) and small-bodied (SVL < 55 mm) groups. The molecular data suggest that Paa rarica belonged to a group that contains several undescribed lineages and that Paa liebigii (Günther, 1860) hosts extensive cryptic diversity. Our study also documents that Paa species in the Himalayan region are more widely distributed than previously believed.
First report of the genera Paralobella and Blasconura (Collembola: Neanuridae: Neanurinae) from Japan with the description of three new species
Authors: KASAI HIRO , HAYASAKA DAISUKE , SAWAHATA TAKUO
Published: July 2022

This study reports the first record of the genera Paralobella Cassagnau & Deharveng, 1984 and Blasconura Cassagnau, 1983, three new species from Kuchinoerabu-jima and Miyako-jima of Japan, respectively. Paralobella kuchierabu sp. nov. can be distinguished from all known genus members by distinct morphological characteristics: yellow body color, mandible with 3 teeth, presence of chaeta O on head, and tubercle De of Th. II–III with 5 (4+s) chaetae, tubercle Di of Th. I with 1 chaeta, tubercles De and Dl of Abd. V separated. Blasconura triangulum sp. nov. is characterized by a tubercle Fr fused to An, unguis without an inner tooth, and 2 very closely placed tubercles Di on head. Blasconura cordis sp. nov. is unique in the genus, with a tubercle An fused to Cl. Other characteristic features of the species are the absence of chaeta O on head, tubercle Oc with 3 chaetae, Ant. I with 7 chaetae, and tubercle De of Th. III with 5 (4+s) chaetae. A key to all species of the genus Paralobella and Blasconura is provided.
Optimizing Observing Systems Using ASPEN: An Analysis Tool to Assess the Benefit and Cost Effectiveness of Observations to Earth System Applications
Authors: Boukabara Sid-Ahmed , Hoffman Ross N.
Published: July 2022

The Advanced Systems Performance Evaluation tool for NOAA (ASPEN) is developed to help support designing and evaluating existing and planned observing systems in terms of comparative assessment, trade-offs analysis, and design optimization studies. ASPEN is a dynamic tool that rapidly assesses the benefit and cost effectiveness of environmental data obtained from any set of observing systems, whether ground-based or space-based, whether an individual sensor or a collection of sensors. The ASPEN assessed cost effectiveness accounts for the level of ability to measure the environment, the cost(s) associated with acquiring these measurements, and the degree of usefulness of these measurements to users and applications. It computes both the use benefit, measured as a requirements-satisfaction metric, and the cost effectiveness (equal to the benefit-to-cost ratio). ASPEN provides a uniform interface to compare the performance of different observing systems and to capture the requirements and priorities of applications. This interface describes the environment in terms of geophysical observables and their attributes. A prototype implementation of ASPEN is described and demonstrated in this study to assess the benefits of several observing systems for a range of applications. ASPEN could be extended to other types of studies, such as assessing the cost effectiveness of commercial data to applications in all the NOAA mission service areas, and ultimately to societal application areas, and thereby become a valuable addition to the observing systems assessment toolbox.
Convective Couplings with Equatorial Rossby Waves and Equatorial Kelvin Waves. Part II: Coupled Precipitation Characteristics
Authors: Nakamura Yuhi , Takayabu Yukari N.
Published: July 2022

Detailed precipitation characteristics coupled with equatorial Rossby and Kelvin waves are investigated. We prepare a rainfall event dataset using the Tropical Rainfall Measurement Mission (TRMM) Precipitation Radar (PR) level 2 data. Utilizing three indices, area size, maximum echo-top height, and stratiform precipitation ratio, rainfall events are classified into mesoscale convective system (MCS), deep, congestus, and shallow convective events, and “other” type. We perform composite analyses based on the wave phase defined in Part I. Precipitation amount in Rossby waves is in phase with column water vapor (CWV) anomalies and is mainly contributed by MCSs, which are simultaneously activated with deep convection. The large CWV can support deep development and organization of convection. Shallow and congestus convective events indicate their peaks just before the active phase on 10°N or in the later part of the convectively suppressed phase on the equator. A five-step evolution is shown in Kelvin waves. In the first stage, shallow convective events are triggered by high SST, followed by a dominance of congestus convective events. Then, in the developing stage, deep convective events become dominant. In the mature stage, heavy precipitation is contributed by MCSs, and mostly stratiform rain is maximized at later stages. Kelvin waves indicate relatively weak connection to CWV fluctuation. Although contrasted evolutions are indicated, large contributions by MCSs to precipitation amount are common among the two coupled waves. This is considered to result in the commonality of the equivalent depths with their top-heavy heating.

Significance Statement

A coupling mechanism between equatorial waves and convective activity is a key issue in the tropical meteorology. While many previous idealized studies suggested some instability mechanisms, detailed precipitation characteristics is not enough investigated. We prepare rainfall-event dataset observed from a spaceborne Precipitation Radar on board the TRMM satellite to quantify detailed precipitation characteristics statistically and compare equatorial Rossby waves and equatorial Kelvin waves. We found that organized convective systems and deep convection are simultaneously activated in the Rossby waves and a clear transition of convective activity is shown in the Kelvin waves. These characteristics highly correspond to waves’ synoptic-scale structures. Our observational results of detailed evolutions of rainfall events will improve understanding of coupling processes.
A Parameterization of Interstitial Aerosol Extinction and Its Application to Marine Cloud Brightening
Authors: Hoffmann Fabian , Mayer Bernhard , Feingold Graham
Published: July 2022

Marine cloud brightening (MCB) is a geoengineering approach to counteract climate change by the deliberate seeding of sea salt aerosol particles that, once they activated to cloud droplets, directly increase cloud reflectance and hence global albedo. However, a large fraction of the seeded aerosol may remain interstitial, i.e., unactivated particles among cloud droplets. Because the consideration of interstitial aerosol optical properties usually requires computationally expensive simulations of the entire particle spectrum and direct Mie calculations, we develop a simple parameterization to be used with computationally efficient bulk and even bin cloud microphysical schemes that do not treat the unactivated aerosol explicitly. Using parcel and large-eddy simulations with highly detailed Lagrangian cloud microphysics and direct Mie calculations as a reference, we show that the parameterization captures the variability in the interstitial aerosol extinction successfully. By applying the parameterization to typical MCB cases, we find that the consideration of interstitial aerosol extinction is important for the assessment of MCB in shallow clouds with weak updrafts, in which only a small fraction of aerosol particles is activated to cloud droplets.

Significance Statement

The optical properties of clouds are not only determined by the number and size of cloud droplets. Unactivated aerosol particles, so-called interstitial aerosol, can contribute substantially to the optical thickness of shallow clouds with weak updrafts in aerosol-laden conditions. The consideration of interstitial aerosol optical thickness has been computationally challenging, but the new parameterization presented here allows for an efficient representation in various types of cloud models. The parameterization is shown to be an important addition for the assessment of marine cloud brightening (MCB), a potential geoengineering technique to counteract global warming by increasing the cloud albedo through the deliberate seeding of aerosol.
Accessing Possible Selves With Limited College Knowledge: Case Studies of Latino Boys in Two Urban Continuation Schools
Authors: Huerta Adrian H.
Published: July 2022

Justice-involved youth are less likely to hold positive attitudes toward education and education systems due to the unfair treatment that they experience. Despite the exchange of college knowledge between justice-involved Latino young men in urban continuation schools, this topic is relatively absent from college access and higher education literature. Using Oyserman and Markus’s (1990a) notion of possible selves as a theoretical framework and drawing from in-depth interviews and observations with 26 middle and high school Latino young men across two urban continuation schools, I find that educators intentionally did not share college knowledge with Latino young men. Furthermore, I reveal that these youth possess inaccurate information about the college admissions process. If schools are to help the most vulnerable student populations prepare and aspire for postsecondary education, it is important to equitably disseminate accurate college knowledge to all students.
Nationwide Analysis of Motorcycle-Associated Injuries and Fatalities in the United States: Insufficient Prevention Policies or Abandoned Laws?
Authors: Ngatuvai Micah , Rosander Abigail , Maka Piueti , Beeton George , Fanfan Dino , Sen-Crowe Brendon , Newsome Kevin , Elkbuli Adel
Published: July 2022

Background

Motorcycle road traffic collisions are a major cause of mortality in the United States. We aimed to analyze the temporal and statewide trends in motorcycle collision fatalities (MCFs) nationwide and their association with state laws regarding motorcycle helmet requirements, lane splitting, speeding, intoxicating driving, and red light cameras.

Methods

A retrospective review of United States MCF/capita from 2015 to 2019 was performed using the Fatality Analysis Reporting System database. MCF/capita was defined as a motorcyclist death per 100 000 motorcyclist registrations. Independent-samples t-test and ANOVA were used to determine differences, with significance defined as P < .05. Linear regression analysis and Pearson’s correlation were used to further determine associations between variables.

Results

The majority of fatalities occurred in males (n = 21 354, 91.0%), ages 25-54 (n = 13 728, 58.5%), and Caucasians (n = 19 195, 81.8%). A total of 24 states and DC exhibited positive trends in MCF/capita from 2015 to 2019. There was no significant difference in MCF/capita between states who had mandatory helmet laws for all, partial requirements, and states with no law (63.4 vs 54.3 vs 33.6, P = .360). Among fatalities involving alcohol, a significantly greater number of MCF/capita were found above the legal limit of .08 compared to the group with a blood alcohol concentration of .01-.07 (17.8 vs 4.5, P < .001).

Conclusion

Motorcyclist fatalities continue to pose a public health risk, with 24 states showing an upward trend. Additional interventions and laws are needed to decrease the number of motorcyclist deaths. Further strategy on implementation and enforcement of helmet laws and alcohol consumption may be an essential component.
Management of Massive Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage Secondary to Gastrosplenic Fistula
Authors: Chopra Asmita , Al Yafi Motaz , Luckoski John , Das Chandan , Sferra Joseph , Stanek Stephen
Published: July 2022

Gastrosplenic fistula (GSF) is seen secondary to the development of a fistulous track between the stomach and spleen and/or splenic vessels. It is most commonly seen in patients with diffuse B-cell lymphoma, who usually present with symptoms of abdominal pain and weight loss. GSF has also been seen in patients with gastric adenocarcinoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, peptic ulcer disease, splenic abscesses, and post gastric sleeve resection. Less than 25% of the patients with GSF may present with upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB). This presentation of GSF is common with benign causes including peptic ulcer disease. UGIB secondary to GSF, while rare, requires prompt identification and intervention, to avoid catastrophic outcomes. We discuss the case of a 64-year-old female with GSF, who presented with sentinel bleed followed by hemorrhagic shock, secondary to a B-cell lymphoma, who was managed with a partial gastrectomy, splenectomy, and distal pancreatectomy, with favorable outcomes.
Political Parties and Violence in Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Siddiqui Niloufer
Published: July 2022

Political parties in many ethnically polarized contexts around the world engage in electoral violence. Why do some parties engage in violence directly while others do so through intermediaries? Existing literature has produced contradictory results about when democracy turns violent and paid insufficient attention to the form that party violence takes. Using qualitative and survey data of both party elites and voters, this paper focuses on two parties in the violent megacity of Karachi, Pakistan: the Muttahida Qaumi Movement—whose cadres directly orchestrated violence—and the Pakistan People’s Party—which outsourced violence to distinct specialists. It argues that where state capacity is contested by multiple competing sovereigns, the economic and coercive benefits to be gained from violence are high. However, even where parties share similar incentives for violence within a particular electoral arena, whether a party engages in violence directly or not depends on its organizational structure and strength.
Understanding the Fear of Crime and Perceived Risk Across Immigrant Generations: Does the Quality of Social Ties Matter?
Authors: Yuan Yue , McNeeley Susan , Melde Chris
Published: July 2022

The current study examines the relationships between immigration, social ties, and perceptions of safety. We estimated immigrant generation by race/ethnicity interactions to uncover unique patterns across subpopulations of immigrants while controlling for important neighborhood contextual factors. Immigrant generation was negatively associated with feelings of fear. First-generation Asian immigrants reported the greatest level of fear in the sample. High-quality social ties were negatively associated with fear of crime, while the number of social ties was unrelated to fear. Results suggest first-generation immigrants are in a precarious position in society with respect to feeling safe in their neighborhoods. Local officials should seek ways to provide accurate messaging on the threat of victimization in immigrant communities.
The Two Sides of Cognitive Masking: A Three-Level Bayesian Meta-Analysis on Twice-Exceptionality
Authors: Atmaca Furkan , Baloğlu Mustafa
Published: July 2022

We compared the Wechsler scores of individuals with twice-exceptionality (2e) and giftedness using a three-level Bayesian meta-analysis. Ninety-five effect sizes were calculated from 15 studies ( n = 2,106). Results show that individuals with 2e who have learning disabilities perform lower than individuals with giftedness in Full-Scale Intelligence Quotient (FSIQ; g = −0.62), working memory ( g = −0.79), and processing speed ( g = −0.75). Individuals with 2e who have attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have a distinct profile in which only processing speed differs from individuals with giftedness ( g = −0.55). Results suggest that using a single Intelligence Quotient (IQ) score in the identification process will be misleading. Moreover, IQ may mask the strengths or weaknesses of individuals with 2e.
Innovative Governance in the Indian Market Regime Through Regulatory Impact Assessment: An Analysis
Authors: Yadav Abha , Tiwari Pooja
Published: July 2022

Regulatory impact assessment is necessary for determining the need for policies and a scientific, logical guide to designing them, when necessary. It involves a step-by-step approach comprising problem definition, baseline regulatory assessment, comparison of alternatives and selection of regulations that have the potential to result in the highest net benefits to society. To address inconsistencies and systematise regulatory uniformity in India, regulatory impact assessment of the Indian legislative framework has emerged as a much-needed impetus. Innovative governance system may be employed as a mechanism by regulatory bodies that shall ensure effective steering of regulatory impact assessment process. Aligning with the laid regulatory goals and objectives, this process backed by innovative technologies may further assist in managing the complex and cross-functional regulatory activities. We try to shift the narrative from ‘governance and technology’ where a friction between the two could be a presupposition to the concept of ‘governance with technology’ which is all encompassing and enabling.

In this article, we will analyse the need and scope of regulatory impact assessment within the existing Indian legal regime. To weigh potential risks and trade-offs in the regulatory sector, we will further explore the impact of regulatory assessment on competitiveness in the market. Thereafter, we will examine the use and adaptation of regulatory impact assessment tools. Lastly, we will explore the scope for the use of technological innovations in conducting regulatory impact assessment in India.
Engendering Community Support for Conservation: A Case Study of Kekana Gardens Community and Dinokeng Game Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Queiros Dorothy , Mearns Kevin
Published: July 2022

Successful conservation in Africa hinges on the perceptions of communities bordering protected areas. It is therefore vital for protected area stakeholders to know the perceptions of neighbouring communities in order to determine the factors that generate or undermine community support for conservation, so that appropriate management interventions can be implemented. Numerous studies consider benefits, but less relate to perceptions regarding both losses/costs and intangible benefits. This paper demonstrates a methodology with which to determine these factors, focusing on Kekana Gardens community, bordering Dinokeng Game Reserve, in Gauteng Province, South Africa. This qualitative study with 13 residents utilised focus group interviews and adapted nominal grouping technique. Six themes emerged, four of which comprise intangible benefits. This methodology can be applied to any community bordering a conservation area, assisting in crafting solutions that benefit both people and parks.
Preferred Place of Death Discussions: Are They Informing and Empowering Patients and their Family Caregivers?
Authors: Beetham Bryony , Fasola Cynthia , Howard Faith
Published: July 2022

Factors influencing preferred place of death (PPoD) are variable between individuals. However, there is little understanding of how these preferences are formed and how consistent they are in the final months of life. In particular, the expectation and responsibility of family caregivers to provide unpaid caregiving support to their dying loved one in the home is often overlooked. There is a need for clinicians to take an individualised approach to PPoD conversations that is inclusive of the needs of both the patient and the family caregiver. More Good Deaths – A Change Programme responds to this gap in care by advancing the skills of clinicians having PPoD conversations with patients and their family caregivers. This paper describes the programme, providing insight into its benefits to advanced care planning and communication, as well as to our newest service - Cottage Hospice.
Community-Based Workforce for COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Prevention Activities in New York City, July–December 2020
Authors: Udeagu Chi-Chi N. , Huang Jamie , Misra Kavita , Terilli Thomas , Ramos Yasmin , Alexander Martha , Kim Christine , Madad Syra , Williams Reba , Bethala Samira , Pitiranggon Masha , Blaney Kathleen , Keeley Chris , Bray Jackie , Long Theodore , Vora Neil M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives:

High rates of hospitalization and death disproportionately affected Black, Latino, and Asian residents of New York City at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. To suppress COVID-19 transmission, New York City implemented a workforce of community engagement specialists (CESs) to conduct home-based contact tracing when telephone numbers were lacking or telephone-based efforts were unsuccessful and to disseminate COVID-19 information and sanitary supplies.

Materials and Methods:

We describe the recruitment, training, and deployment of a multilingual CES workforce with diverse sociodemographic backgrounds during July–December 2020 in New York City. We developed standard operating procedures for infection control and safety measures, procured supplies and means of transportation, and developed protocols and algorithms to efficiently distribute workload.

Results:

From July through December 2020, 519 CESs were trained to conduct in-person contact tracing and activities in community settings, including homes, schools, and businesses, where they disseminated educational materials, face masks, hand sanitizer, and home-based specimen collection kits. During the study period, 94 704 records of people with COVID-19 and 61 246 contacts not reached by telephone-based contact tracers were referred to CESs. CESs attempted home visits or telephone calls with 84 230 people with COVID-19 and 49 303 contacts, reaching approximately 55 592 (66%) and 35 005 (71%), respectively. Other CES activities included monitoring recently arrived travelers under quarantine, eliciting contacts at point-of-care testing sites, and advising schools on school-based COVID-19 mitigation strategies.

Practice Implications:

This diverse CES workforce allowed for safe, in-person implementation of contact tracing and other prevention services for individuals and communities impacted by COVID-19. This approach prioritized equitable delivery of community-based support services and resources.