bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective role of nebivolol via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway: nephrotoxicity caused by methotrexate in a rat model
Authors: Karakuyu N.F. , Ertunc O. , Bedir M. , Dogan H.K. , Taner R. , Sevuk M.A. , Imeci O.B. , Ergonul E.
Published: March 2023

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent, which is used in severe diseases. Its use should be limited due to side effects such as nephrotoxicity, myelotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. Nebivolol (NBV), which is a beta-blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, also contributes to vasodilation in tissues by activating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme. The purpose of this study is to research the effect of NBV on MTX-induced nephrotoxicity through the AKT1/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1α)/eNOS signaling pathway. The rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight each. The groups were control, MTX, and MTX + NBV. A single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX was given intraperitoneally to the rats on the first day of the study and 10 mg/kg NBV was given orally to the treatment group for 7 days. At the end of the study, rats' blood and kidney tissues were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. MTX administration significantly decreased the expression levels of AKT1, eNOS, and Hif-1α compared with the control group ( p < 0.001 for all), and NBV treatment increased these values compared with the MTX group ( p < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, NBV treatment ameliorated the MTX-induced nephrotoxicity via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway.
Framed 𝔼n-algebras from quantum field theory
Authors: Elliott Chris , Gwilliam Owen
Published: March 2023

This paper addresses the following question: given a topological quantum field theory on [Formula: see text] built from an action functional, when is it possible to globalize the theory so that it makes sense on an arbitrary smooth oriented n-manifold? We study a broad class of topological field theories — those of AKSZ type — and obtain an explicit condition for the vanishing of the framing anomaly, i.e. the obstruction to performing this globalization procedure. We also interpret our results in terms of identifying the observables as an algebra over the framed little n-disks operad. Our analysis uses the BV formalism for perturbative field theory and the notion of factorization homology.
Experimental investigation of temperature effects on the physical and mechanical properties of red sandstone
Authors: Wu Yun , Deng Long-Chuan , Huang Zhen , Yang Li-Ning
Published: March 2023

With the rapid development of transportation in China, the number of tunnels is also increasing. However, tunnels may be affected by fire accidents during operation, and the surrounding rock will be irreparably damaged by high temperature. To investigate the influence of temperature on the physical and mechanical properties of red sandstone, physical properties were determined and the Brazilian splitting test was conducted on red sandstone after thermal treatment from 25 to 600°C. The results show that with increasing temperature, the apparent colour of the red sandstone gradually deepened. The P-wave velocity and Leeb hardness decreased with increasing temperature, and a typical temperature threshold (300°C) was identified. The tensile strength of red sandstone decreased quickly from 25 to 300°C and then decreased slowly from 300 to 600°C. The acoustic emission (AE) signal shows a high degree of consistency with the stress–time curve. As the temperature increased, the AE became more active, and when red sandstone was near failure, the AE signal increased sharply. The failure mode of sandstone mainly consists of a throughgoing main crack and a secondary crack, and the crack width also grows gradually. Moreover, we observe from polarized light microscopy images that the number of fractures in the sandstone also increases as the temperature rises. The variation of physical and mechanical properties of red sandstone is closely related to microstructure. These findings demonstrate that temperature has an obvious weakening effect on the physical and mechanical properties of sandstone, and provide theoretical guidance and significant engineering information for tunnel fire restoration.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology of the Anthropocene collection available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/topic/collections/engineering-geology-and-hydrogeology-of-the-anthropocene
Explainable Activity Recognition for Smart Home Systems
Authors: Das Devleena , Nishimura Yasutaka , Vivek Rajan P. , Takeda Naoto , Fish Sean T. , Plötz Thomas , Chernova Sonia
Published: March 2023

Smart home environments are designed to provide services that help improve the quality of life for the occupant via a variety of sensors and actuators installed throughout the space. Many automated actions taken by a smart home are governed by the output of an underlying activity recognition system. However, activity recognition systems may not be perfectly accurate, and therefore inconsistencies in smart home operations can lead users reliant on smart home predictions to wonder “Why did the smart home do that?” In this work, we build on insights from Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) techniques and introduce an explainable activity recognition framework in which we leverage leading XAI methods (Local Interpretable Model-agnostic Explanations, SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), Anchors) to generate natural language explanations that explain what about an activity led to the given classification. We evaluate our framework in the context of a commonly targeted smart home scenario: autonomous remote caregiver monitoring for individuals who are living alone or need assistance. Within the context of remote caregiver monitoring, we perform a two-step evaluation: (a) utilize Machine Learning experts to assess the sensibility of explanations and (b) recruit non-experts in two user remote caregiver monitoring scenarios, synchronous and asynchronous, to assess the effectiveness of explanations generated via our framework. Our results show that the XAI approach, SHAP, has a 92% success rate in generating sensible explanations. Moreover, in 83% of sampled scenarios users preferred natural language explanations over a simple activity label, underscoring the need for explainable activity recognition systems. Finally, we show that explanations generated by some XAI methods can lead users to lose confidence in the accuracy of the underlying activity recognition model, while others lead users to gain confidence. Taking all studied factors into consideration, we make a recommendation regarding which existing XAI method leads to the best performance in the domain of smart home automation and discuss a range of topics for future work to further improve explainable activity recognition.
Selenoprotein P deficiency protects against immobilization-induced muscle atrophy by suppressing atrophy-related E3 ubiquitin ligases
Authors: Abuduwaili Halimulati , Kamoshita Kyoko , Ishii Kiyo-aki , Takahashi Kenta , Abuduyimiti Tuerdiguli , Qifang Li , Isobe Yuki , Goto Hisanori , Nakano Yujiro , Takeshita Yumie , Takayama Hiroaki , Harada Kenichi , Takamura Toshinari
Published: March 2023

Selenoprotein P (SeP) is a hepatokine that is upregulated in type 2 diabetes and aging and causes signal resistances via reductive stress. Immobilization (IMM) significantly reduced skeletal muscle mass in mice, which was prevented in SeP knockout (KO) mice. IMM-induced Foxos/KLF15-atrogene upregulation was suppressed in the skeletal muscle of KO mice. These findings suggest that SeP-mediated reductive stress is involved in and may be a therapeutic target for physical inactivity-mediated muscle atrophy.
Sharp L2 Norm Convergence of Variable-Step BDF2 Implicit Scheme for the Extended Fisher–Kolmogorov Equation
Authors: Li Yang , Sun Qihang , Feng Naidan , Liu Jianjun
Published: March 2023

A variable-step BDF2 time-stepping method is investigated for simulating the extended Fisher-Kolmogorov equation. The time-stepping scheme is shown to preserve a discrete energy dissipation law if the adjacent time-step ratios

r

n

≔

Τ

n

/

Τ

n
−
1

<

3
+

17

/
2

≈
3.561

. With the aid of discrete orthogonal convolution kernels, concise

L

2

norm error estimates are proved, for the first time, under the mild step ratios constraint

0
<

r

n

<
3.561

. Our error estimates are almost independent of the step ratios

r

n

so that the proposed numerical scheme is robust with respect to the variations of time steps. An adaptive time-stepping strategy based on solution accuracy is then applied to update the computational efficiency. Numerical examples are included to illustrate our theoretical results.
Hybrid Alternated Inertial Projection and Contraction Algorithm for Solving Bilevel Variational Inequality Problems
Authors: Abuchu Jacob Ashiwere , Ofem Austine Efut , Ugwunnadi Godwin Chidi , Narain Ojen Kumar , Hussain Azhar
Published: March 2023

This paper considers an alternated inertial-type extrapolation algorithm for solving bilevel pseudomonotone variational inequality problem in the framework of real Hilbert spaces with split variational inequality and fixed-point constraints of demimetric mapping. The algorithm which involves alternated inertial uses self-adjustment stepsize condition that depends solely on the information from previous iterative step. The bilevel problem considered in the work consists of upper-level problem with an underlying operator which is pseudomonotone, while the lower problem is associated with strongly monotone mapping and the fixed-point constraint of demimetric mapping. Our algorithm is anchored on modified projection and contraction techniques, fused with alternated inertial and relaxation. Under some suitable conditions on the algorithm control parameters, we obtain a strong convergence result of the proposed method without the prior knowledge of the operator norm or the coefficients of the underlying operators within the scope of real Hilbert spaces. Finally, some numerical examples are presented to illustrate the gain of our method in comparison to some related algorithms in the literature.
Transversus Thoracis Muscle Plane Block in Paediatric Patients Who Underwent Minimally Invasive Closure of Transthoracic Ventricular Septal Defect: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Ling Qiong , Zhao Shuhua , Shi Yongyong , Li Xiangyu , Li Ping , Zhao Gaofeng , Zhu Qianqian
Published: March 2023

Objective. Minimally invasive closure of transthoracic ventricular septal defect (VSD) has been widely used in paediatric patients. This retrospective study aimed to explore the use of transversus thoracis muscle plane block (TTMPB) in the minimally invasive closure of transthoracic VSD in paediatric patients. Methods. From September 28, 2017, to July 25, 2022, a total of 119 paediatric patients scheduled for minimally invasive transthoracic VSD closure were considered for inclusion. Results. In total, 110 patients were included in the final analysis. Perioperative fentanyl consumption of the TTMPB group was not different from that of the non-TTMPB group (5.90 ± 1.32 μg/kg vs. 6.25 ± 1.74 μg/kg,

p

 = 0.473). Both the time to extubation and postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay were significantly shorter in the TTMPB group than in the non-TTMPB group (10.94 ± 10.31 min vs. 35.03 ± 23.52 min for extubation, and 42.55 ± 16.83 min vs. 59.98 ± 27.94 min for PACU stay, both

p

 < 0.001). Furthermore, the postoperative paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) stay in the TTMPB group was significantly shorter than in the non-TTMPB group (1.04 ± 0.28 d vs. 1.34 ± 1.05 d,

p

 = 0.005). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that TTMPB was significantly associated with shorter time to extubation (

p

 < 0.001) and PACU stay (

p

 = 0.001) but not postoperative PICU stay (

p

 = 0.094). Discussion. This study showed that TTMPB was a beneficial and safe regional anaesthesia technique for paediatric patients who underwent minimally invasive closure of transthoracic VSD, although prospective randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.
Chemical Synthesis of a Polyvinylpyrrolidone-Capped Silver Nanoparticle and Its Antimicrobial Activity against Two Multidrug-ResistantAeromonas Species
Authors: El-Shamy Omnia A. A. , El-Adawy Mahmoud M. , Abdelsalam Mohamed
Published: March 2023

This study investigated the antimicrobial activity of polyvinylpyrrolidone-capped silver nanoparticles (PVP-AgNPs) in vitro against two antibiotic-resistant isolates of Aeromonas hydrophila and A. caviae. Solid crystal silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the chemical reduction approach employing polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a neutral stabilizer, glucose as a reducing agent, and sodium hydroxide as a catalyst. The crystallinity and purity of the prepared PVP-AgNPs were investigated using the X-ray diffraction spectrometer (XRD). Transmission electron micrograph analysis demonstrated the formation of irregular spherical shapes PVP-AgNPs with average crystallite size diameters ranging from 5.07 to 9.74 nm. By phenotypic and gene sequence analysis, A. hydrophila and A. caviae isolates were identified from diseased Nile tilapia. Our findings showed that all A. hydrophila and A. caviae isolates were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and showed resistance to four antimicrobial classes. The PVP-AgNPs displayed 15 mm and 14 mm clear inhibition zones for A. hydrophila and A. caviae, respectively. In addition, the minimum inhibitory concentrations for PVP-AgNPs were estimated to be 6.25 μg/ml and 7.5 μg/ml for A. hydrophila and A. caviae, respectively. The chemically synthesized PVP-AgNPs were found to possess a strong antimicrobial effect against A. hydrophila and A. caviae with the possibility to be used as a commercialized antimicrobial agent in the aquaculture industry.
The “L-Sandwich” Strategy for True Coronary Bifurcation Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Guo Quan , Peng Liang , Rao Lixin , Ma Cao , Zhao Kang , Zhao Zhenzhou , Tang Haiyu , Li Muwei
Published: March 2023

Background. This study explored the efficacy of the “L-sandwich” strategy, which involves the implantation of stents in the main vessel (MV) and shaft of the side branch (SB) with a drug-coated balloon (DCB) applied to the SB ostium, for coronary true bifurcation lesions. Methods and Results. Of 99 patients with true bifurcation lesions, 38 patients underwent the “L-sandwich” strategy (group A), 32 patients underwent a two-stent strategy (group B), and 29 patients underwent a single-stent + DCB strategy (group C). Angiography outcomes (late lumen loss [LLL], minimum lumen diameter [MLD]), and clinical outcomes (major adverse cardiac events [MACEs]) were analyzed. At 6 months, the MLD of the SB ostium in groups A and B were similar (

P
>
0.05

) and group A larger than group C (

P
<
0.05

). The LLL of group B was the largest among the three groups (

P
<
0.05

). The MLD of the SB shaft in groups A and B were larger than in group C (

P
<
0.05

). The LLL of the SB shaft in group C was the lowest (

P
<
0.05

). Two patients in group B received target vessel revascularization at the 6-month followup (

P
>
0.05

), and patients in the other groups had no MACEs. Conclusions. The “L-sandwich” strategy was feasible for the treatment of true coronary bifurcation lesions. It is a simpler procedure with similar acute lumen gain than the two-stent strategy, results in a larger SB lumen than the single-stent + DCB strategy, and it can also be used as a remedy for dissection following the single-stent + DCB strategy.
Convergence Analysis of an Iteration Process for a Class of Generalized Nonexpansive Mappings with Application to Fractional Differential Equations
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Thabet Sabri T. M. , Kamal Anwar , Ahmad Junaid , Ahmad Fayyaz
Published: March 2023

We consider the class of generalized α-nonexpansive mappings in a setting of Banach spaces. We prove existence of fixed point and convergence results for these mappings under the K∗-iterative process. The weak convergence is obtained with the help of Opial’s property while strong convergence results are obtained under various assumptions. Finally, we construct two numerical examples and connect our K∗-iterative process with them. An application to solve a fractional differential equation (FDE) is also provided. It has been eventually shown that the K∗- iterative process of this example gives more accurate numerical results corresponding to some other iterative processes of the literature. The main outcome is new and improves some known results of the literature.
An Iterative High-Accuracy ADI Method for the 3D Parabolic Equation
Authors: Wu Xiaoping , Li Zihao , Liang Zhixi , Long Yunliang
Published: March 2023

The alternating direction implicit parabolic equation (ADI-PE) method and the Crank–Nicolson parabolic equation (CN-PE) method have been widely used for solving the 3D parabolic equation (3D-PE) in radio wave propagation. The ADI-PE method is more computationally efficient than the CN-PE method. The accuracy of the ADI-PE method is improved by the higher-order Mitchell–Fairweather (MF)-ADI method. This paper presents an iterative high-accuracy (IHA)-ADI method for the 3D parabolic equation. A derivation of the proposed method is presented. The convergence and stability of the proposed method are estimated. Several numerical examples are considered to illustrate the advantages of the proposed method. The results of error analysis and a comparative study show that the proposed method is unconditionally stable and computationally efficient. The proposed method is more numerically accurate than the MF-ADI method.
ROS Induction Targets Persister Cancer Cells with Low Metabolic Activity in NRAS-Mutated Melanoma
Authors: Eichhoff Ossia M. , Stoffel Corinne I. , Käsler Jan , Briker Luzia , Turko Patrick , Karsai Gergely , Zila Nina , Paulitschke Verena , Cheng Phil F. , Leitner Alexander , Bileck Andrea , Zamboni Nicola , Irmisch Anja , Balazs Zsolt , Tastanova Aizhan , Pascoal Susana , Johansen Pål , Wegmann Rebekka , Mena Julien , Othman Alaa , Viswanathan Vasanthi S. , Wenzina Judith , Aloia Andrea , Saltari Annalisa , Dzung Andreas ,   TuPro Consortium, Krauthammer Michael , Schreiber Stuart L. , Hornemann Thorsten , Distel Martin , Snijder Berend , Dummer Reinhard , Levesque Mitchell P.
Published: March 2023

Clinical management of melanomas with NRAS mutations is challenging. Targeting MAPK signaling is only beneficial to a small subset of patients due to resistance that arises through genetic, transcriptional, and metabolic adaptation. Identification of targetable vulnerabilities in NRAS-mutated melanoma could help improve patient treatment. Here, we used multiomics analyses to reveal that NRAS-mutated melanoma cells adopt a mesenchymal phenotype with a quiescent metabolic program to resist cellular stress induced by MEK inhibition. The metabolic alterations elevated baseline reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, leading these cells to become highly sensitive to ROS induction. In vivo xenograft experiments and single-cell RNA sequencing demonstrated that intratumor heterogeneity necessitates the combination of a ROS inducer and a MEK inhibitor to inhibit both tumor growth and metastasis. Ex vivo pharmacoscopy of 62 human metastatic melanomas confirmed that MEK inhibitor–resistant tumors significantly benefited from the combination therapy. Finally, oxidative stress response and translational suppression corresponded with ROS-inducer sensitivity in 486 cancer cell lines, independent of cancer type. These findings link transcriptional plasticity to a metabolic phenotype that can be inhibited by ROS inducers in melanoma and other cancers.

Significance:

Metabolic reprogramming in drug-resistant NRAS-mutated melanoma cells confers sensitivity to ROS induction, which suppresses tumor growth and metastasis in combination with MAPK pathway inhibitors.
KRAS Hijacks the miRNA Regulatory Pathway in Cancer
Authors: Bortoletto Angelina S. , Parchem Ronald J.
Published: March 2023

Extensive studies have focused on the misregulation of individual miRNAs in cancer. More recently, mutations in the miRNA biogenesis and processing machinery have been implicated in several malignancies. Such mutations can lead to global miRNA misregulation, which may promote many of the well-known hallmarks of cancer. Interestingly, recent evidence also suggests that oncogenic Kristen rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations act in part by modulating the activity of members of the miRNA regulatory pathway. Here, we highlight the vital role mutations in the miRNA core machinery play in promoting malignant transformation. Furthermore, we discuss how mutant KRAS can simultaneously impact multiple steps of miRNA processing and function to promote tumorigenesis. Although the ability of KRAS to hijack the miRNA regulatory pathway adds a layer of complexity to its oncogenic nature, it also provides a potential therapeutic avenue that has yet to be exploited in the clinic. Moreover, concurrent targeting of mutant KRAS and members of the miRNA core machinery represents a potential strategy for treating cancer.
Sex-Related Bleeding Risk in Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy with Aspirin and a P2Y12 Inhibitor
Authors: ten Haaf Monique E. , van Geuns Robert-Jan , van der Linden Marc M.J.M. , Smits Pieter C. , de Vries Arie G. , Doevendans Pieter A. , Appelman Yolande , Boersma Eric
Published: March 2023

Objective: The aim of this work was to study sex differences in major bleeding risk in relation to dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods and Results: The Rijnmond Collective Cardiology Research registry was designed to evaluate the application and outcomes of DAPT after ACS/PCI in the Rijnmond region in the Netherlands. Overall, 1,172 women (median age 67.5 years) and 3,087 men (median age 62.2 years) with ACS/PCI were enrolled between August 2011 and June 2013. Based on a tailored regional DAPT guideline aiming at bleeding risk minimization, 52.6% women and 66.9% men received prasugrel as first-choice P2Y12 inhibitor, in addition to aspirin. Women more frequently had contraindications for the use of prasugrel (and therefore received clopidogrel) than men (47.9 vs. 26.9%, p < 0.001). Femoral access was more common in women than in men (47.6 vs. 38.1%, p < 0.001). Women had higher incidence of major bleeding at 1 year than men (2.6 vs. 1.6%, p = 0.018). After adjustment for established bleeding risk factors, female sex was associated with over two-fold higher risk of major bleeding (adjusted hazard ratio 2.33; 95% confidence interval 1.26–4.32). This difference was apparent at discharge and appeared to be caused by access site bleedings (0.9 vs. 0.1%, p < 0.001). No sex differences were found in non-access site-related major bleeding up to 1 year. Conclusion: Women with ACS/PCI receiving DAPT had higher major bleeding risk caused by an excess in access site bleeds, mainly in relation to the femoral approach.
Changes in Tumor Immune Microenvironment after Radiotherapy Resistance in Colorectal Cancer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Wang Chao , Yuan Meng , Gao Yongjian , Hou Ruizhi , Song Defeng , Feng Ye
Published: March 2023

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common digestive tract malignancy with high incidence and mortality rates. Radiotherapy is the most common anti-tumor therapeutic regime and is frequently used for treating CRC, especially rectal cancer. However, radiotherapy can lead to tumor resistance to treatment. While previous research on radiotherapy resistance in CRC has mostly focused on the tumor itself, recent advances, especially the emergence of immunotherapy, have led to a greater emphasis on the immune microenvironment of the tumor. Summary: This review has summarized the recent literature on the role of the tumor immune microenvironment in CRC resistance to radiotherapy and provided new ideas for future anti-tumor treatment strategies. Key Messages: The proportion of immunosuppressive cells is greater than the numbers of cells associated with immune activation, leading to an overall state of immunosuppression; both the tumor and immunosuppressive cells secrete increased amounts of immunosuppressive regulatory factors, reduce the recognition and presentation of tumor antigens, inhibit immune cell’s anti-tumor effect, and offset the non-targeted anti-tumor effect of radiotherapy.
Natural Course of Electrocardiogram Changes and the Value of Multimodality Imaging in Acute Pericarditis
Authors: Saeed Sahrai , Mohamed Ali Abukar , Wasim Daanyaal , Saeed Nasir , Lunde Torbjørn , Solheim Eivind , Vegsundvåg Johnny , Imazio Massimo
Published: March 2023

Background: ECG is the initial diagnostic tool that in combination with typical symptoms often raises the suspicion of pericarditis. Echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality for assessment of pericardial diseases, particularly effusion/tamponade, constrictive physiology, and assessment of regional wall motion abnormalities as differential diagnoses. However, cardiac CT and cardiac magnetic resonance may be necessary in complicated cases and to identify pericardial inflammation in specific settings (atypical presentation, new onset constriction), as well as myocardial involvement and monitoring the disease activity. Summary: In acute pericarditis, the most commonly used ECG criteria recommended by international guidelines are the widespread ST-segment elevation or PR depression. However, the classic ECG pattern of widespread ST-segment elevation or PR depression can be seen in less than 60% of patients. In addition, ECG changes are often temporally dynamic, evolve rapidly during the course of disease, and may be influenced by a number of factors such as disease severity, time (stage) of presentation, degree of myocardial involvement, and the treatment initiated. Overall, temporal dynamic changes on ECG during acute pericarditis or myopericarditis have received limited attention. Hence, the aim of this brief clinical review was to increase awareness about the various ECG changes observed during the course of acute pericarditis. Key Messages: ECG may be normal at presentation or for days after the index episode of chest pain, but serial ECGs can reveal specific patterns of temporally dynamic ST elevation in patients with pericarditis or myopericarditis, particularly during new episodes of chest pain.
Convectively Coupled Kelvin Waves and Tropical Cyclogenesis: Connections through Convection and Moisture
Authors: Lawton Quinton A. , Majumdar Sharanya J.
Published: March 2023

Recent research has demonstrated a relationship between convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs) and tropical cyclogenesis, likely due to the influence of CCKWs on the large-scale environment. However, it remains unclear which environmental factors are most important and how they connect to TC genesis processes. Using a 39-yr database of African easterly waves (AEWs) to create composites of reanalysis and satellite data, it is shown that genesis may be facilitated by CCKW-driven modifications to convection and moisture. First, stand-alone composites of genesis demonstrate the significant role of environmental preconditioning and convective aggregation. A moist static energy variance budget indicates that convective aggregation during genesis is dominated by feedbacks between convection and longwave radiation. These processes begin over two days prior to genesis, supporting previous observational work. Shifting attention to CCKWs, up to 76% of developing AEWs encounter at least one CCKW in their lifetime. An increase in genesis events following convectively active CCKW phases is found, corroborating earlier studies. A decrease in genesis events following convectively suppressed phases is also identified. Using CCKW-centered composites, we show that the convectively active CCKW phases enhance convection and moisture content in the vicinity of AEWs prior to genesis. Furthermore, enhanced convective activity is the main discriminator between AEW–CCKW interactions that result in genesis versus those that do not. This analysis suggests that CCKWs may influence genesis through environmental preconditioning and radiative–convective feedbacks, among other factors. A secondary finding is that AEW attributes as far east as central Africa may be predictive of downstream genesis.

Significance Statement

The purpose of this work is to investigate how one type of atmospheric wave, known as convectively coupled Kelvin waves (CCKWs), impacts the formation (“genesis”) of tropical cyclones. Forecasting of genesis remains a significant challenge, so identifying how CCKWs influence this process could help improve forecasts and give communities greater lead times. Our results show that CCKWs could temporarily make genesis more likely by increasing atmospheric moisture content and convective activity. While not all CCKWs lead to genesis, those that do are associated with a particularly strong increase in convection. This provides a potential tool for forecasters monitoring CCKWs and TC genesis in real time and motivates follow-up work on this topic in numerical models.
The Effect of Country Economic Institutions and Cultural Values on Government Policy and Societal Compliance in the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Gomez Carolina , Spencer Jennifer
Published: March 2023

Using data from 88 countries, we test hypotheses linking a country’s economic freedom and cultural values with the propensity and timing of decisions to impose stringent policies to combat the spread of Covid-19, as well as society’s compliance with those restrictive measures. Our analysis supports hypotheses that a country’s economic freedom and cultural dimensions of individualism and masculinity predict early implementation of stringent policies. After accounting for endogeneity, we find that individualism also helps explain residents’ compliance with stringent measures. These findings illustrate how institutions and cultural values influence government policies and societal compliance.
Giovanni Gentile's standing in the United States (1922–1938)
Authors: Zappoli Stefano
Published: March 2023

In his preface to The Social Philosophy of Giovanni Gentile, HS Harris wrote that “[Gentile's] association with Fascism, of which he was an ardent supporter from 1923 until his own death during the last throes of the Fascist Social Republic, prejudiced the issue. Critical evaluation of his political and social thought has been almost impossible for the Italians themselves because of the general climate of political opinion both before and after his death; and almost everyone outside Italy followed the lead given by Croce and dismissed Gentile's practical philosophy as unworthy of serious critical examination.” This statement undoubtedly points at an effective historiographical question. The present article aims to shed light on this issue, taking into consideration specifically the writings published about Gentile in the United States in the 1920s and 1930s. Some research has already been undertaken in this field, but it seems ripe for being further developed. Interest in the work of Gentile came especially from the intellectual circles of Columbia University and his work has usually been interpreted by historians as resulting from pro-fascist leanings. Yet, a closer examination of sources and consequently a more analytical reconstruction of the context suggests that the reception of the educational thought of Gentile and the knowledge of his political activity during the Fascist regime took place in the United States quite independently from political sympathies.
Robust stabilization for a class of complex production process systems based on multi-dimensional moving pattern
Authors: Wu Jinxia , Li Jianwei , Liu Chuang , Yang Weidong
Published: March 2023

This paper studies robust stabilization problem and state feedback controller design problem for a class of complex production process systems by pattern class variable instead of state variable or output variable. Firstly, the maximum entropy clustering method is introduced and modeling method based on multi-dimensional moving pattern is given. Nonlinear state space models of systems with input-delay are established by using the trajectories of pattern class variable. Then sufficient conditions for robust stabilization of the system are obtained by Linear Matrix Inequality. In addition, a state feedback controller is designed based on this condition. Finally, the effectiveness of the methods is illustrated by taking the actual working conditions data as an example.
“The same spaces but…different worlds”: Witness-bearing and redefinitions of shared space
Authors: Propst Lisa
Published: March 2023

This article considers what witnessing calls for when it addresses ongoing inequities or structural violence. It can be all too easy for well-meaning acts of witnessing to perpetuate inequities by reinforcing the authority of privileged witnesses to interpret the conditions they see and the space where the witnessing encounter takes place. I contend that bearing witness to inequity must include openness to the ways the subject (the person seen by the witness) defines the space of the encounter and how that definition might change the witness’s conception of their own role(s) and right(s) within that space. I advance this view through analysis of two texts that bear witness to post-transitional South Africa: Ivan Vladislavić’s 2006 book Portrait with Keys: The City of Johannesburg Unlocked and Sisonke Msimang and Lebogang Mashile’s 2015 lecture-performance With Friends Like These: The Politics of Friendship in Post-Apartheid South Africa. Vladislavić’s Portrait with Keys shows how acts of witnessing can perpetuate violence when privileged witnesses retain the authority to define the spaces where the witnessing encounter occurs: to determine who and what those spaces are for, who belongs in them, and what functions they serve. Msimang and Mashile’s With Friends Like These reveals the potential for transformation caused by polyvocal challenges to normative accounts of existing social and physical spaces. Placing these two texts side by side exposes the stakes of the formulation of witnessing advanced here and shows some of the forms such redefinitions of space can take, illustrating what might seem like a fairly abstract ideal in real-world terms.
The Uptrend Effect: Encouraging Healthy Behaviors Through Greater Inferred Normativity
Authors: Costello John P. , Garvey Aaron M. , Germann Frank , Wilkie James E.B.
Published: March 2023

Only a minority of Americans adequately engage in activities experts recommend to curb preventable diseases, such as the consumption of healthful foods and regular physical exercise. This poses a challenge for policy makers and social marketers alike, given the substantial impact descriptive norms have on behaviors in the health domain. The authors propose a new way to address this challenge by identifying what they call the “uptrend effect.” This effect encourages descriptively nonnormative, healthy behaviors through uptrend messaging that makes salient actual increased engagement in those behaviors over time without referencing an objective descriptive norm. Across seven experimental studies, including studies conducted in the field and measuring real behaviors, this research demonstrates that uptrend messaging leads recipients to infer greater descriptive normativity for the target behavior, which subsequently improves engagement. The authors identify theoretically and practically relevant boundary conditions, showing that the uptrend effect is attenuated when the growth in a behavior is driven by a dissimilar group or when the message explicitly states a descriptive norm. They also demonstrate that uptrend messaging outperforms other norm-based approaches. The theory and findings of this research inform scholars, policy makers, and marketers by providing actionable and easy-to-implement techniques to encourage behaviors that improve consumer quality of life.
A design-driven creation of an innovative and environment-friendly nature-based yarn with moisture wicking and fast-drying effect
Authors: Song LinFeng , Tao Yifei , Cheung Tin Wai , Li Li
Published: March 2023

Wicking in textiles is a key property of fabric moisture permeability, which has been found to be dominant in the comfort-maintaining mechanism of apparel products, especially for sportswear that has high requirements for sweat transfer. Various methods have been given in order to improve moisture transfer behavior of fabrics, among which fiber modification is the most direct and ideal way. In this article, a design-driven yarn structure spinning model for moisture wicking improvement is established by using a helically shaped covering material to limit the inter-fiber spacings of the staple core yarn so that an improvement in effective capillary channels with better continuity can be achieved. The developed yarn constructions combine the advantages of natural and synthetic fibers, showing significant improvements on moisture wicking performance, fast-drying effects as well as commercial values. Experiments on the fabrics made in accordance achieved excellent results both before and after washing. For the most efficient fabric 5 with cotton-linen as the core material, the average diffusion time was decreased by 86.4% and 66.5% before and after washing, compared with the core yarn. Excessively large water absorption rates of the control fabrics were limited and decreased by 22.1% and 32.4%. The evaporation rates of the fabric were increased by 25.6% and 18.5%, indicating obvious improvements in fast drying effects. Through various experiments, the optimal spinning parameters were investigated which provided methods and established foundations for subsequent research. The finding in this study offer the possibility of fiber moisture performance modification with high efficiency, low cost, and environmental sustainability.
Short-Video Platform and Intrinsic Motivation of Rural Adolescents: A Comparative Case Study on Two Chinese Middle School Classes
Authors: Sun Mengting , Meng Shuxin
Published: March 2023

In tracing two Chinese rural middle school classes for 3 years, this study found the positive impact of adopting the algorithm-based mobile short video platform Douyin on rural adolescents’ intrinsic motivation. The application’s broad adoption has reshaped the social processes supporting adolescent users’ intrinsic motivation and spontaneous pursuit of life possibilities. In the online interaction based on algorithms, the rural adolescents discover and govern themselves during the algorithms-driven exploration and expression; they also conduct informational and emotional reciprocity with an algorithmic collectivity emerging from clustering technologies. In the offline interaction with the living community, the platform-state digital economy agenda has intervened and coordinated the local cultural attitudes towards youth development with an entrepreneurial solutionism. This study adds to the previous less empirically addressed issue of the rising algorithmic short video service and intrinsic motivation, and puts forward an ecological explanation concerning the national policy, platform business, and the user’s self-consciousness.
To Protect or to Kill? Environmental Contingent Self-Worth Moderates Death Prime Effects on Animal-Based Attitudes
Authors: Fairlamb Samuel , Stan Andrada-Elena , Lovas Katinka
Published: March 2023

Lifshin et al. found that death primes increased support for killing animals, suggesting that the killing of animals serves a terror management function. The present research adds to this by suggesting that protecting animals can also serve a terror management function when people see such behaviors as culturally valuable. In three studies ( N = 765), environmental contingent self-worth (ECSW) moderated the effect of death primes on attitudes toward animals. Attitudes toward animals also mediated the effect of a death prime on increased power-based invulnerability for those with low ECSW and decreased power-based invulnerability for those with high ECSW (Study 3). Finally, we found little support that death primes influenced beliefs regarding human–animal superiority (Study 1 and 2) or similarity (Study 2). Our findings therefore provide partial support for past terror management research and further the understanding regarding how to promote more benevolent human–animal relations.
Unionization at Volkswagen in Chattanooga: A Postmortem
Authors: Walker Abraham
Published: March 2023

Declining unionization rates in the private sector have long been a major object of research across the social sciences and among students of the labor movement. Nowhere is this issue felt more acutely than in core productive sectors of the American South, where employers have beaten back nearly every significant organizing effort. These problems are epitomized by the United Autoworkers Workers’ 2014 defeat at the hands of German automaker Volkswagen in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where it failed to win an election despite management's ostensible neutrality. Though various competing explanations have been offered, I attribute the UAW's underwhelming performance principally to the union's own mistakes and shortcomings. Applying an analytical framework first proposed by Marshall Ganz, I argue that on three key measures of organizational performance—access to information, strategic capacity, and ongoing learning—the UAW fell short, ultimately sealing its fate. First, the UAW neglected to draw important lessons from its previous efforts to organize foreign-owned automakers, which often bore an uncanny resemblance to Volkswagen. Second, the UAW did not deploy its resources effectively, all but disregarding the widely held “best practices” and often displaying a more fundamental ineptitude. Finally, while successful unions adapt to changing conditions, the UAW suffered from path dependency, refusing to make necessary corrections when its pre-ordained strategy sent it veering off-course. These findings suggest, contra the dominant narrative, that the UAW bears some responsibility for its own organizing failures, with profound implications for the future of unions in the American South and beyond.
Walk the Talk: The Boohoo Case Study
Authors: Nassar Mona , Goddard Tara , Freeman Regine
Published: March 2023

This case study of a UK-based global fast fashion brand Boohoo encourages critical exploration of a complex, ethical and reputational crisis. Taking a macromarketing perspective, the reader is encouraged to consider all of the factors, actors and relationships in the industry, society and the supply chain to appreciate the resulting ethical considerations that arise. Boohoo has been described as a successful online company that provides a wide range of products, including clothing, footwear, beauty products and accessories. However, the company came under fire in July 2020 after an exposé published in the Sunday Times, the Sunday paper of The Times, named Britain's most trusted national newspaper. The exposé published a report from an undercover investigation that revealed some unacceptable practices in relation to working conditions. The poor working conditions were worsened by the COVID-19 outbreak. As the media criticised Boohoo, the company launched an independent review which eventually confirmed the allegations and stated that the investigation's findings were “substantially true”. Written from the perspective of a PR consultancy that wants to help Boohoo restore its reputation, the case uses secondary information to thoroughly understand Boohoo's situation. The PR consultants therefore investigate the Sunday Times’ allegations, Boohoo's practices and responses to those allegations, and the company's practices from an ethical point of view. The PR consultancy also investigates the fashion industry, with a focus on fast fashion, which creates an environment where suppliers and retailers in the system try to produce products as cheaply and profitably as possible. To fully understand those affected by this exposé, those influential to the industry and those stakeholders who govern or put pressure on the industry, they consider: the people and local government of Leicester ( pronounced Lester), the supplier factories, national government websites and views of pressure groups and charities.
How Well Did U.S. Rail and Intermodal Freight Respond to the COVID-19 Pandemic versus the Great Recession?
Authors: Ng Max T.M. , Schofer Joseph , Mahmassani Hani S.
Published: March 2023

This paper analyzes and compares patterns of U.S. domestic rail freight volumes during and after the disruptions caused by the 2007–2009 Great Recession and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Trends in rail and intermodal (IM) shipment data are examined in conjunction with economic indicators, focusing on the extent of drop and recovery of freight volumes of various commodities and IM shipments, and the lead/lag time with respect to economic drivers. Impacts of the Great Recession and the rebound from it were slow to develop, whereas COVID-19 produced both profound disruptions in the freight market and rapid rebound, with important variations across commodity types. Demand for energy-related commodities (coal, petroleum, and fracking sand) dropped during the pandemic whereas demand for other commodities (grain products and lumber, and IM freight) rebounded rapidly and in some cases grew. Overall, rail freight experienced a rapid rebound following the precipitous drop in traffic in March and April, 2020, achieving a near-full recovery in 5 months. As the recovery proceeded through 2020, IM flow, containers moving by rail for their longest overland trips, rebounded strongly, some exceeding 2019 levels. In contrast, rail flows during the Great Recession changed slowly with the onset and recovery extending over multiple years. Pandemic response reflected the impacts of quick shutdowns and a rapid shift in consumer purchasing patterns. Results for the pandemic illustrate the resilience of the U.S. rail freight industry and the multifaceted role it plays in the overall logistics system. Amid a challenging logistic environment, freight rail kept goods moving when other methods of transport were constrained.