bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P2X7 receptor involved in antitumor activity of atractylenolide I in human cervical cancer cells
Authors: Han Yue , Bai Can , He Xi-Meng , Ren Qing-Ling
Published: March 2022

Atractylenolide I (Atr-I) was found to sensitize a variety of human cancer cells in previous studies. Purinergic P2X7R plays important role in different cancers. However, whether Atr-I could generate antitumor activity in human cervical cancer cells and P2X7R get involved in this effect remain unclear. In this study, Hela (HPV 18 +) and SiHa (HPV 16 +) cells were treated with different doses of Atr-I. The results indicated that agonist and antagonist of P2X7 receptors, BzATP and JNJ-47965567 (JNJ), could suppress the proliferation of Hela and SiHa cells. Atr-I demonstrated a considerable antitumor effect in both human cervical cancer cells in vitro. Atr-I combined with P2X7R agonist, BzATP, restored Atr-I-induced growth inhibition in Hela cells but not in SiHa cells. However, the combinatorial treatment of P2X7R antagonist JNJ and Atr-I has an additive effect on cell growth inhibition in SiHa cells rather than in Hela cells. It implied that P2X7R would get involved in the anti-human cervical cancer cells effect of Atr-I.
Metabolomics on the study of marine organisms
Authors: Bayona Lina M. , de Voogd Nicole J. , Choi Young Hae
Published: March 2022

Background

Marine ecosystems are hosts to a vast array of organisms, being among the most richly biodiverse locations on the planet. The study of these ecosystems is very important, as they are not only a significant source of food for the world but also have, in recent years, become a prolific source of compounds with therapeutic potential. Studies of aspects of marine life have involved diverse fields of marine science, and the use of metabolomics as an experimental approach has increased in recent years. As part of the “omics” technologies, metabolomics has been used to deepen the understanding of interactions between marine organisms and their environment at a metabolic level and to discover new metabolites produced by these organisms.

Aim of review

This review provides an overview of the use of metabolomics in the study of marine organisms. It also explores the use of metabolomics tools common to other fields such as plants and human metabolomics that could potentially contribute to marine organism studies. It deals with the entire process of a metabolomic study, from sample collection considerations, metabolite extraction, analytical techniques, and data analysis. It also includes an overview of recent applications of metabolomics in fields such as marine ecology and drug discovery and future perspectives of its use in the study of marine organisms.

Key scientific concepts of review

The review covers all the steps involved in metabolomic studies of marine organisms including, collection, extraction methods, analytical tools, statistical analysis, and dereplication. It aims to provide insight into all aspects that a newcomer to the field should consider when undertaking marine metabolomics.
A critical look at challenges and future scopes of bioactive compounds and their incorporations in the food, energy, and pharmaceutical sector
Authors: Pai Sanidhya , Hebbar Akshatha , Selvaraj Subbalaxmi
Published: March 2022

Bioactive compounds refer to secondary metabolites extracted from plants, fungi, microbes, or animals. Besides having pharmacological or toxicological effects on organisms leading to utilization in food and pharmaceutical industries, the discovery of novel properties of such compounds has led to the diversification of their applications, ranging from cosmetics and functionalized biomaterials to bioremediation and alternate fuels. Conventional time-consuming and solvent-intensive methods of extraction are increasingly being replaced by green solvents such as ionic liquids, supercritical fluids, and deep eutectic solvents, as well as non-conventional methods of extraction assisted by microwaves, pulse electric fields, enzymes, ultrasound, or pressure. These methods, along with advances in characterization and optimization strategies, have boosted the commercial viability of extraction especially from agrowastes and organic residues, promoting a sustainable circular economy. Further development of microfluidics, optimization models, nanoencapsulation, and metabolic engineering are expected to overcome certain limitations that restrict the growth of this field, in the context of improving screening, extraction, and economy of processes, as well as retaining biodiversity and enhancing the stability and functionality of such compounds. This review is a compilation of the various extraction and characterization methods employed for bioactive compounds and covers major applications in food, pharmacy, chemicals, energy, and bioremediation. Major limitations and scope of improvement are also discussed.

Graphical abstract
The pancreatic exocrine function in patients with pancreatic endocrine insufficiency: the evaluation with cine-dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography using a spatially selective inversion-recovery pulse and T1 mapping
Authors: Higashi Mayumi , Tanabe Masahiro , Yonezawa Teppei , Furukawa Matakazu , Iida Etsushi , Ito Katsuyoshi
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the association of the pancreatic exocrine function estimated by cine-dynamic magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) using a spatially selective inversion-recovery (IR) pulse with the pancreatic endocrine function estimated by the T1 relaxation time of the pancreatic parenchyma and HbA1c values.

Materials and methods

Forty-three patients with suspected hepatobiliary or pancreatic diseases were included. Patients were classified into three groups: HbA1c < 5.7% (normal group), 5.7% ≤ HbA1c < 6.5% (prediabetes group), and HbA1c ≥ 6.5% (diabetes group). The frequency of the secretory flow of the pancreatic juice was observed within the area of the IR pulse, and the moving distance (mean secretion grade) of the pancreatic juice inflow within the area of the IR pulse on cine-dynamic MRCP, and the T1 relaxation time of the pancreatic parenchyma on the T1 map images were assessed. The MR imaging measurements were compared using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient analysis and the Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests.

Results

Both the mean secretion grade and frequency of the pancreatic secretory inflow had a significant negative correlation with the T1 relaxation time of the pancreatic parenchyma (r = − 0.335, p = 0.028 and r = − 0.305, p = 0.047, respectively) and HbA1c values (r = − 0.308, p = 0.044 and r = − 0.313, p = 0.041, respectively). Both the mean secretion grade and frequency of the pancreatic secretory inflow in the elevated HbA1c (prediabetes and diabetes) group were significantly lower than those in the normal group (p = 0.030 and p = 0.029, respectively).

Conclusion

The pancreatic exocrine function estimated by cine-dynamic MRCP was significantly lower in patients with prediabetes and diabetes than in controls. Cine-dynamic MRCP with a spatially selective IR pulse may be useful for the early diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with pancreatic endocrine insufficiency.
Targeting Features of the Metabolic Syndrome Through Sympatholytic Effects of SGLT2 Inhibition
Authors: Herat Lakshini Y. , Matthews Jennifer , Azzam Omar , Schlaich Markus P. , Matthews Vance B.
Published: March 2022

Purpose of Review

The moderate glucose-lowering effect of sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors is unlikely to explain SGLT2 inhibitor-mediated beneficial outcomes, and unravelling the underlying mechanisms is a high priority in the research community. Given the dominant pathophysiologic role of the sympathetic nervous system activation in conditions such as hypertension and perturbed glucose homeostasis, it is pertinent to postulate that SGLT2 inhibitors may exert their beneficial effects at least in part via sympathetic inhibition.

Recent Findings

SGLT2 inhibitors have shown enormous potential to improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes, and their therapeutic potential is currently being investigated in a range of associated comorbidities such as heart failure and chronic kidney disease. Indeed, recent experimental data in relevant animal models highlight a bidirectional interaction between sympathetic nervous system activation and SGLT2 expression, and this facilitates several of the features associated with SGLT2 inhibition observed in clinical trials including improved glucose metabolism, weight loss, increased diuresis, and lowering of blood pressure.

Currently available data highlight the various levels of interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and SGLT2 expression and explores the potential for SGLT2 inhibition as a therapeutic strategy in conditions commonly characterised by sympathetic activation.
Outcome Prediction of Postanoxic Coma: A Comparison of Automated Electroencephalography Analysis Methods
Authors: Pham Stanley D. T. , Keijzer Hanneke M. , Ruijter Barry J. , Seeber Antje A. , Scholten Erik , Drost Gea , van den Bergh Walter M. , Kornips Francois H. M. , Foudraine Norbert A. , Beishuizen Albertus , Blans Michiel J. , Hofmeijer Jeannette , van Putten Michel J. A. M. , Tjepkema-Cloostermans Marleen C.
Published: March 2022

Background

To compare three computer-assisted quantitative electroencephalography (EEG) prediction models for the outcome prediction of comatose patients after cardiac arrest regarding predictive performance and robustness to artifacts.

Methods

A total of 871 continuous EEGs recorded up to 3 days after cardiac arrest in intensive care units of five teaching hospitals in the Netherlands were retrospectively analyzed. Outcome at 6 months was dichotomized as “good” (Cerebral Performance Category 1–2) or “poor” (Cerebral Performance Category 3–5). Three prediction models were implemented: a logistic regression model using two quantitative features, a random forest model with nine features, and a deep learning model based on a convolutional neural network. Data from two centers were used for training and fivefold cross-validation (n = 663), and data from three other centers were used for external validation (n = 208). Model output was the probability of good outcome. Predictive performances were evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic analysis and the calculation of predictive values. Robustness to artifacts was evaluated by using an artifact rejection algorithm, manually added noise, and randomly flattened channels in the EEG.

Results

The deep learning network showed the best overall predictive performance. On the external test set, poor outcome could be predicted by the deep learning network at 24 h with a sensitivity of 54% (95% confidence interval [CI] 44–64%) at a false positive rate (FPR) of 0% (95% CI 0–2%), significantly higher than the logistic regression (sensitivity 33%, FPR 0%) and random forest models (sensitivity 13%, FPR, 0%) (p < 0.05). Good outcome at 12 h could be predicted by the deep learning network with a sensitivity of 78% (95% CI 52–100%) at a FPR of 12% (95% CI 0–24%) and by the logistic regression model with a sensitivity of 83% (95% CI 83–83%) at a FPR of 3% (95% CI 3–3%), both significantly higher than the random forest model (sensitivity 1%, FPR 0%) (p < 0.05). The results of the deep learning network were the least affected by the presence of artifacts, added white noise, and flat EEG channels.

Conclusions

A deep learning model outperformed logistic regression and random forest models for reliable, robust, EEG-based outcome prediction of comatose patients after cardiac arrest.
Korean College Students’ Attitudes toward Disability and Inclusive Education: Latent Profile Analysis
Authors: Shin Yun-Jeong , Ji Eun , Park Soyoung
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in cognitive-behavioral attitudes and emotional connectedness toward people with disabilities (PWDs) and the attitudes toward inclusive education. In total, 309 college students from various universities in South Korea aged from 18 to 29 years (177 male and 130 female) voluntarily participated in this study. The participants were completed a set of questionnaires: Social Distance Toward Disabilities scale, Interaction with Disabled Person Scale, and Teachers’ Attitudes toward Inclusive Education Scale. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to model four distinct types: distant (3.56%), lukewarm (73.91%), rationalizing (8.41%), and potential proactive (14.12%). The majority of participants were lukewarm type who had a slightly cognitive-behavioral distance with mediocre empathy toward PWDs, which links to vague stands toward inclusive education. Potential proactive type, the second largest group, showed a positive attitude toward inclusive education with a high level of empathy but still had ambivalent perceptions toward PWDs. The rationalizing and distant groups had one thing in common that they had a relatively low level of empathy toward PWDs, but showed a markedly opposite position in inclusive education. The findings indicate that interventions should be tailored based on the type-specific attitudes and experiences with PWDs in public and educational settings.
Measuring state-level infant and toddler well-being in the United States: Gaps in data lead to gaps in understanding
Authors: Ryberg Renee , Wiggins Lisa , Moore Kristin A. , Daily Sarah , Piña Gabriel , Klin Ami
Published: March 2022

Children who are nurtured, protected, and supported in the first years of life tend to have better individual outcomes and are more likely to grow to become healthy, productive adults. Child well-being varies across states, yet the field lacks a comprehensive review of infant and toddler indicators measured at the state-level. This paper reviews indicators of well-being from the prenatal period to three years that meet certain a priori criteria. Most of the child-level indicators identified were in the physical health domain; relatively fewer indicators were found in the early cognition and language or social-emotional-behavioral domains. While some states are making progress toward developing integrated early childhood data systems, more work is needed to provide robust data on infant and toddler development. These results highlight the need to develop a broader range of indicators of infant and toddler well-being and improve measurement sources to better inform policies and programs advancing population health.
LiDAR Datasets Applied to Roman Gold Mining Studies in NW Iberia. Response to Paper: Roman Gold Mining at “Las Miédolas” (NW Spain): Lidar and Photo Interpretation in the Analysis of “Peines”
Authors: Fernández-Lozano Javier , Gutiérrez-Alonso Gabriel , Carrasco Rosa M. , Pedraza Javier
Published: March 2022

Early LiDAR datasets in Spain are available since 2014 (5-m resolution), when the first works were carried out by our team (Fernández-Lozano and Gutiérrez-Alonso Mapping 167:22–29, 2014; Fernández-Lozano et al. J Archaeol Sci 2014:356–373, 2015). The implementation of LiDAR to 1-m resolution was subsequently used and compared by Fernández-Lozano and Gutiérrez-Alonso (J Archaeol Sci 5:509–520, 2016) in combination with UAV-derived (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) photogrammetry. These works showed different Roman gold mining scenarios that were modeled providing outstanding results even with the poorest resolution LiDAR datasets. Moreover, the implementation of visual enhancement tools, widely used in different fields of archeology, geomorphology, and geology, such as Sky-View, Multi-hillside, Slope, LRM, Openness, and Principal Components have improved notably the interpretation of results in both mining and archeological works. This paper discusses the potential and insights provided by our methodological approach and shows that the results of its application to the study area of Las Miédolas can provide better results than those obtained by Matías and Llamas (Geoheritage 13(2):1–22, 2021).
Commissioning measurements on an Elekta Unity MR-Linac
Authors: Powers Marcus , Baines John , Crane Robert , Fisher Chantelle , Gibson Stephen , Marsh Linda , Oar Bronwyn , Shoobridge Ariadne , Simpson-Page Emily , Van der Walt Marchant , de Vine Glenn
Published: March 2022

Magnetic resonance-guided radiotherapy technology is relatively new and commissioning publications, quality assurance (QA) protocols and commercial products are limited. This work provides guidance for implementation measurements that may be performed on the Elekta Unity MR-Linac (Elekta, Stockholm, Sweden). Adaptations of vendor supplied phantoms facilitated determination of gantry angle accuracy and linac isocentre, whereas in-house developed phantoms were used for end-to-end testing and anterior coil attenuation measurements. Third-party devices were used for measuring beam quality, reference dosimetry and during treatment plan commissioning; however, due to several challenges, variations on standard techniques were required. Gantry angle accuracy was within 0.1°, confirmed with pixel intensity profiles, and MV isocentre diameter was < 0.5 mm. Anterior coil attenuation was approximately 0.6%. Beam quality as determined by TPR20,10 was 0.705 ± 0.001, in agreement with treatment planning system (TPS) calculations, and gamma comparison against the TPS for a 22.0 × 22.0 cm2 field was above 95.0% (2.0%, 2.0 mm). Machine output was 1.000 ± 0.002 Gy per 100 MU, depth 5.0 cm. During treatment plan commissioning, sub-standard results indicated issues with machine behaviour. Once rectified, gamma comparisons were above 95.0% (2.0%, 2.0 mm). Centres which may not have access to specialized equipment can use in-house developed phantoms, or adapt those supplied by the vendor, to perform commissioning work and confirm operation of the MRL within published tolerances. The plan QA techniques used in this work can highlight issues with machine behaviour when appropriate gamma criteria are set.
Autonomous maritime operations and the influence of situational awareness within maritime navigation
Authors: Chan Jevon P. , Norman Rose , Pazouki Kayvan , Golightly David
Published: March 2022

As the maritime industry looks to implement autonomous operations, it is key that seafarers can adjust and work alongside the technological strides being made. With the maritime industry being on the brink of a paradigm shift, not seen since the transition from sails to engines, regulations and training need to be implemented before the industry can progress towards autonomous vessel operations. Therefore, the maritime industry must implement methods and training regimes that seafarers can undertake to train skills such as situational awareness, to ensure that the human-automation relationship progresses smoothly and efficiently. The research reported within this paper aims to assess the elements required to aid the development of seafarers, in preparation for the inevitable change to autonomous maritime operations. A study was conducted which analysed the situational awareness of 14 junior navigational officers and 14 navigational officer cadets, by means of a bridge watch simulator and introducing the participants to an autopilot failure. The results of the study found a lack of system understanding, in the event of a fault, among the majority of participants. Additionally, even the participants displaying a satisfactory level of situational awareness required alarms before they could recognise a potential fault. Additionally, participants were given a survey which allowed the assessment of their personal views and opinions of autonomous operations. By assessing the outcome of this study and researching past maritime incidents, this paper has highlighted the necessity for situational awareness training for seafarers which will improve the human automation relationship.
Combining 2D organic and 1D inorganic nanoblocks to develop free-standing hybrid nanomembranes for conformable biosensors
Authors: García-Torres Jose , Lázaro Carmen , Sylla Dioulde , Lanzalaco Sonia , Ginebra Maria-Pau , Alemán Carlos
Published: March 2022

We report a simple approach to fabricate free-standing perforated 2D nanomembranes hosting well-ordered 1D metallic nanostructures to obtain hybrid materials with nanostructured surfaces for flexible electronics. Nanomembranes are formed by alternatively depositing perforated poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) layers. Copper metallic nanowires (NWs) were incorporated into the nanoperforations of the top PLA layer by electrodeposition and further coated with silver via a transmetallation reaction. The combination of 2D polymeric nanomembranes and aligned 1D metallic NWs allows merging the flexibility and conformability of the ultrathin soft polymeric nanomembranes with the good electrical properties of metals for biointegrated electronic devices. Thus, we were able to tailor the nanomembrane surface chemistry as it was corroborated by SEM, EDX, XPS, CV, EIS and contact angle. The obtained hybrid nanomembranes were flexible and conformable showing sensing capacity towards H2O2 with good linear concentration range (0.35–10 mM), sensitivity (120 µA cm−2 mM−1) and limit of detection (7 μm). Moreover, the membranes showed good stability, reproducibility and selectivity towards H2O2.
Trade Mark Protection for Smells, Tastes and Feels – Critical Analysis of Three Non-Visual Signs in the EU
Authors: Geiregat Simon
Published: March 2022

This article focuses on the ability to protect three non-traditional signs as trade marks in the EU: smell (olfactory marks), taste (gustatory marks) and feel (tactile marks). All three types of subject matter can meet the definition of a sign. According to the majority view in literature and practice, none of the three can currently be represented on the register with sufficient clarity and precision, however. It is argued that the veracity of that finding essentially boils down to a lack of vocabulary and IT solutions, and that it depends on the level of detail that can be expected from non-visual signs. Theoretically, distinctiveness is less of an obstacle to protection. Although some signs need to acquire distinctiveness through use, distinctiveness should be assessed on a case-by-case basis and it cannot be excluded that there are smells, tastes and feels that are inherently distinct. In practice, authorities seem to uphold excessive thresholds for olfactory, gustatory, and especially tactile marks. This is understandable in the light of their potential scope, which lies at the heart of the debate on their eligibility for protection. Indeed, granting protection to these three types of signs carries the risk of depleting and propertising almost anything. Although this might be true, it is contended that more research is needed and that there is no legislative basis for a Freihaltebedürfnis (need to keep signs freely available) in this respect. After considering fundamental rights and public policy as alternative means of channelling that concern, the article concludes that it is for the EU legislator to evaluate whether to exclude certain signs from trade mark law.
Das Konzept der liebevolle Erzähler in Olga Tokarczuks Vorlesung zur Verleihung des Nobelpreises für Literatur
Authors: Bilut-Homplewicz Zofia , Krauz Maria
Published: March 2022

Der Beitrag diskutiert das Konzept des liebevollen Erzählers, das Olga Tokarczuk in ihrer Nobelpreisvorlesung 2019 entwickelt hat. Es wird an die für die Nobelpreisträgerin wichtigen Werte erinnert und die Textaktualisierung dieser Kategorie analysiert. Darüber hinaus wird die Rolle des liebevollen Erzählers für die Interpretation der (textexternen) Wirklichkeit, für die Bewertung der für die zeitgenössische Welt wichtigen Erscheinungen sowie die mit dem liebevollen Erzähler verbundene Möglichkeit, Haltungen, Wahlentscheidungen und das Leben des zeitgenössischen Menschen zu beeinflussen, diskutiert. Da bei der Autorin eine mehrdimensionale Perspektive zum Einsatz kommt, machen wir auf Kontexte der Kategorien czuły und czułość nicht nur aus textorientierter, sondern auch aus einer breiteren, d. h. lexikologischen und semantischen Sicht aufmerksam. Die Analyse der Wörterbucheinträge von czuły und czułość sowie der Art und Weise, wie Tokarczuk den liebevollen Erzähler unmittelbar in der Rede oder in ihren weiteren Ausführungen aktualisiert und charakterisiert, führt zu dem Schluss, dass es sich bei dem postulierten neuen Erzähler in der »vierten Person« nicht um eine grammatische Konstruktion handelt, sondern um die Kategorie eines ›wunderbaren‹ Erzählers, der eine universale Geschichte webt. Ihm werden von der Nobelpreisträgerin folgende Attribute zugeschrieben: Der liebevolle Erzähler kann die Perspektive jeder Figur einnehmen, er sieht weiter und mehr, er kann die Zeit ignorieren und er ist sich der Bedrohungen in der zeitgenössischen Welt bewusst. Der Beitrag unternimmt darüber hinaus den Versuch, eine Antwort darauf zu finden, wie man diese Gestalt und Kategorie mit der Rolle vereinbaren kann, die der Nobelpreisträgerin zufolge die Literatur in der zeitgenössischen Welt spielen soll: in einer Welt, die gespalten ist, die vom Menschen unvermindert zerstört wird und in der die Geistigkeit verschwindet.
Analysis of Line-Edge Roughness Using EUV Scatterometry
Authors: Fernández Herrero Analía , Scholze Frank , Dai Gaoliang , Soltwisch Victor
Published: March 2022

Smaller and more complex three-dimensional periodic nanostructures are part of the next generation of integrated electronic circuits. Additionally, decreasing the dimensions of nanostructures increases the effect of line-edge roughness on the performance of the nanostructures. Efficient methods for characterizing three-dimensional nanostructures are required for process control. Here, extreme-ultraviolet (EUV) scatterometry is exploited for the analysis of line-edge roughness from periodic nanostructures. In line with previous observations, differences are observed between line edge and line width roughness. The angular distribution of the diffuse scattering is an interplay of the line shape, the height of the structure, the roughness along the line, and the correlation between the lines. Unfortunately, existing theoretical methods for characterizing nanostructures using scatterometry do not cover all these aspects. Examples are shown here and the demands for future development of theoretical approaches for computing the angular distribution of the scattered X-rays are discussed.
Relationship Between Solute Diffusion Coefficient and Electrical Conductivity Under Extremely Low Soil Water Conditions
Authors: Miyasaka Katori , Shiozawa Sho
Published: March 2022

The relative diffusion coefficient (Dr) of solutes in soils is directly proportional to the “nth” power of the volumetric soil water content (θ), where n is an empirical parameter, which normally ranges between 1 and 2. The existence of a breakpoint (θbr) in the relationship between θ and Dr has been demonstrated at low-θ, in which the value of n becomes approximately 4 when θ < θbr. The change in n can be attributed to various mechanisms, including drastic changes in the geometrical distribution of pore liquid water caused by dehydration. However, as direct Dr measurements require considerable time to render sufficient data at low-θ, few studies have measured Dr at θ < θbr, and the relationship between Dr and θ at θ < θbr remains unclear. In this study, we investigated if the indirect Dr measurement method can be applied in the low-θ region of θ < θbr. An indirect method for measuring Dr was employed to determine the soil electrical conductivity (ECs). Using dune sands in which the presence of θbr was confirmed, Dr from high- to low-θ was calculated based on ECs measurements and compared with directly measured Dr. The relationships between θ and Dr calculated based on ECs and using the transient state method were almost the same. Dr could be calculated from ECs even at θ < θbr. The results confirmed that the indirect Dr measurement method can be applied for the low-θ region of θ < θbr.
Risk-Based Monitoring in Clinical Trials: Increased Adoption Throughout 2020
Authors: Stansbury Nicole , Barnes Brian , Adams Amy , Berlien Ruth , Branco Danilo , Brown Debby , Butler Paula , Garson Lauren , Jendrasek Debra , Manasco Garrett , Ramirez Nycole , Sanjuan Nelly , Worman Gillian , Adelfio Anina
Published: March 2022

With the emergence of new technologies for data collection, the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the increasing number of partially or fully decentralized clinical trials (DCTs), the importance of risk-based monitoring (RBM) and the larger risk-based quality management (RBQM) framework in clinical trial management is increasing. RBM and RBQM focus on the detection of events or trends that impact trial quality in terms of participant safety and data integrity. In 2019, the Association of Clinical Research Organizations (ACRO) began a landscape survey of RBM/RBQM implementation in ongoing clinical trials. Initial results of this survey, representing full-year data for 2019, were reported previously. Here, we present full-year landscape data for 2020 drawn from 5,987 clinical trials ongoing at the end of 2020, including 908 new studies started that year. Of these trials, 77% implemented at least one RBM/RBQM component, an increase from 47% for studies ongoing at the end of 2019. We also observed increased implementation for three of the five RBM components included in the survey. Centralized monitoring decreased nominally in 2020 compared with 2019. Although the percentages of 2020 trials incorporating reduced source data verification (SDV) and reduced source data review (SDR) increased from 2019 to 2020, these numbers are still low considering the large percentage of trials implementing at least one RBQM component. In the current clinical trial landscape, as more DCTs are launched and new data collection technologies are implemented, there remains a pressing need for greater use of centralized monitoring coupled with reductions in SDR/SDV and, ultimately, greater adoption of RBM and RBQM.
A New Item-Based Collaborative Filtering Algorithm to Improve the Accuracy of Prediction in Sparse Data
Authors: Zhao Wentao , Tian Huanhuan , Wu Yan , Cui Ziheng , Feng Tingting
Published: March 2022

In memory-based collaborative filtering (CF) algorithms, the similarity and prediction method have a significant impact on the recommendation results. Most of the existing recommendation techniques have improved different similarity measures to alleviate inaccurate similarity results in sparse data, however, ignored the impact of sparse data on prediction results. To enhance the adaptability to sparse data, we propose a new item-based CF algorithm, which consists of the item similarity measure based vague sets and item-based prediction method with the new neighbor selection strategy. First, in the stage of similarity calculation, the Kullback–Leibler (KL) divergence based on vague sets is proposed from the perspective of user preference probability to measure item similarity. Following this, the impact of rating quantity is further considered to improve the accuracy of similarity results. Next, in the prediction stage, we relax the limit of depending on explicitly ratings and integrate more rating information to adjust prediction results. Experimental results on benchmark data sets show that, compared with other representative algorithms, our algorithm has better prediction and recommendation quality, and effectively alleviates the data sparseness problem.
Probabilistic Response and Performance Predict of Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesting Systems Based on Partial Information
Authors: Liu Di , Liu Xiaoting , Li Jing , Xu Pengfei
Published: March 2022

Vibration energy harvesting technology is a hotspot research area in energy harvesting technology because it can convert the vibrational energy in the environment into electrical energy for output and thus provide the distributed energy for microelectromechanical systems. To improve the energy harvesting performance of the vibration energy harvesting system with partial information, we analyzed the probabilistic response of the stochastic system excited by Gaussian white noise under different geometric structures and effectively predicted the corresponding energy harvesting performance. Firstly, we established the coupling moment equation of the vibration energy harvesting system with the cumulant truncation method and then obtained some high-order moments. Then, the probability density function of the stationary response was set in exponential form with unknown parameters by using the maximum entropy principle, and those the unknown parameters will be obtained by solving the minimum value of an objective function, which contains the obtained moment information. Finally, the effects of the physical parameters (including geometric structure parameters and Gaussian white noise) on the dynamic behavior of the vibration energy harvesting system with only partial information have been studied and verified all results by direct numerical simulation.
Nonlinear Vibrations of an Uncertain Dual-Rotor Rolling Bearings System with Coupling Misalignment
Authors: Fu Chao , Lu Kuan , Yang Yongfeng , Xie Zhongliang , Ming Anbo
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the nonlinear vibration responses of a dual-rotor system supported on the ball bearings considering coupling misalignment are investigated with inevitable uncertainties included. Moreover, uncertain parameters are modelled by non-probabilistic interval variables, alleviating the hash demands in fitting into a sophisticated probability law. It is then more suited for engineering problems that have sparse prior data on uncertainties. The deterministic vibration responses, orbits and frequency spectrum are provided first to exhibit the evolution of the vibrations. Then, several physical parameters are studied to reveal the effects of their uncertainty on the nonlinear vibrations at different rotating speeds. It is worth noting that uncertainty in the speed ratio between the higher-pressure and lower-pressure rotors has great impacts. Moreover, the sensitivity also depends on the rotating speed.
English and Literacies
Authors: Ewing Robyn , O'Brien Siobhan , Rushton Kathy , Stewart Lucy , Burke Rachel , Brosseuk Deb
Published: March 2022

Being literate in the twenty-first century means being an empowered receiver, user and creator of diverse text types communicated across multiple and rapidly changing modalities. English and Literacies: Learning to make meaning in primary classrooms is an accessible resource that introduces pre-service teachers to the many facets of literacies and English education for primary students. Addressing the requirements of the Australian Curriculum and the Early Years Learning Framework, English and Literacies explores how students develop oracy and literacy. Reading, viewing and writing are discussed alongside the importance of children's literature. Taking an inclusive and positive approach to teaching and learning for all students, it explores the creation of texts using spelling, grammar in context and handwriting/keyboarding skills, as well as the need for authentic assessment and reporting. Finally, the text explores the importance of literacy partnerships and how teachers can address literacy challenges across the curriculum.
Byzantine Rome
Authors: Labatt Annie Montgomery
Published: March 2022

This book discusses medieval Rome, adorned as it was by 'Byzantine' art, monuments, and culture, as a city that defined both East and West.
The Human Rights Implications of Not-for-Profit Surrogacy Organizations in Cross-Border Commercial Surrogacy: An Australian Case Study
Authors: Luo Yingyi , Marshall Shelley , Cuthbert Denise
Published: March 2022

Cross-border surrogacy is a global industry that offers intended parents options for family formation by providing foreign surrogate mothers remuneration, directly or via an intermediary, in excess of their actual out-of-pocket expenses. It is a multi-million-dollar business with no international regulation.1 In most countries, limited domestic regulation or oversight is in place. Many countries − such as Australia, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Canada, Hong Kong and South Africa − only permit altruistic surrogacy, while Germany and France ban surrogacy entirely.2 Fully legalized commercial surrogacy is the model followed in some states in the United States of America (USA), as well as Georgia and Ukraine.3 This unregulated cross-border market has produced a lucrative business, with surrogacy arrangements growing by nearly 1,000 per cent between 2006 and 2010.4 The for-profit surrogacy sector has expanded and fertility not-for-profit organizations have also entered the market.5
Women and the ‘Business’ of Human Rights: The Problem with Women’s Empowerment Projects and the Need for Corporate Reform
Authors: Russell Roseanne
Published: March 2022

Corporate-led women’s empowerment initiatives appear, in their proactiveness, to be a welcome addition to a range of measures addressing adverse human rights impacts by business. This article questions the claim that these projects significantly advance women’s rights. Instead, they can be understood as a manifestation of what Catherine Rottenberg terms ‘neoliberal feminism’ with women at risk of being transformed into ‘gender capital’ for business gain. This article rejects the claim that empowerment can only be delivered by encouraging women into market-based work. Instead, it is argued that the corporate responsibility to respect the human rights of women can better be supported by reorienting business away from its preoccupation with delivering value for shareholders, towards an approach that values women’s unpaid socially reproductive labour.
Overcoming Silencing Practices: Indigenous Women Defending Human Rights from Abuses Committed in Connection to Mega-Projects: A Case in Colombia
Authors: Tapias Torrado Nancy R
Published: March 2022

Many of those who dare to raise their voices in defence of human rights in response to abuses committed in connection to mega-projects are being repressed in the Americas. In this context, Indigenous women leaders face multiple forms of violence, including gender-based violence. The prevailing narrative of ‘progress’ and ‘development’ that accompanies mega-projects in the region often stands in stark contrast to their lived experiences, as Indigenous women human rights defenders frequently face silencing practices from companies, authorities and other groups including paramilitary forces. In this article, I contend that Indigenous women leaders have managed to overcome the silence that is being imposed on them. But what are silencing practices? What does gender-based violence mean in this context? How do Indigenous women leaders overcome silencing practices? The article responds to these questions by focusing on the Wayúu Women’s Force mobilization in Colombia and drawing on the emerging ‘braided action’ theoretical framework.
From Formalism to Feminism: Gender, Business and Human Rights
Authors: Götzmann Nora , Bourke Martignoni Joanna , Meyersfeld Bonita , Kaur Harpreet
Published: March 2022

This special issue uses feminist perspectives to explore the field of business and human rights (BHR). Gendered inequalities, based on embodied, assigned or presumed gender identities and sexual orientations, have long been eclipsed from international law; the same has occurred in BHR. Rarely is gender addressed holistically to fully encompass the systemic discrimination and deep-seated patriarchal and neo-colonial structures that create and perpetuate inequalities. The contributions in this special issue challenge both the absence of attention to gender in BHR as well as conventional approaches used to address gendered inequalities within BHR discourses and frameworks. Three recurring themes characterize the special issue: (1) bodies and embodiment; (2) women’s positionality in the marketplace; and (3) borderlessness. Collectively, the contributions proffer feminist approaches to BHR that embed gender justice as foundational, rather than an afterthought.
Cabinet Formation and Coalition Governance: The Effect of Portfolio Allocation on Coalition Agreements
Authors: Krauss Svenja , Kluever Heike
Published: March 2022

While coalition agreements are significant in structuring government behaviour, their comprehensiveness varies considerably across cabinets. We argue that the average correspondence between parties' priorities and portfolio allocation is important in explaining the comprehensiveness of coalition agreements because coalition parties that have obtained their preferred portfolios have less incentive to negotiate a detailed coalition agreement. We test our argument by combining newly collected data on coalition agreements drafted by 218 cabinets in 24 Western and Eastern European countries from 1945 to 2014 with data on the distribution of ministerial portfolios. We find that the shorter and less comprehensive the agreements, the higher the correspondence between parties' priorities and portfolio allocation. Our results have important implications for our understanding of coalition governments and the relationship between government formation and cabinet governance.
Maria W. Stewart, Ethnologist and Proto-Black Feminist
Authors: Shorter-Bourhanou Jameliah Inga
Published: March 2022

Discussions about nineteenth-century African American ethnology tend to focus only on black male thinkers. In the nineteenth century, ethnology was the study of difference among humans and often used racist science to justify discrimination against blacks. Black woman thinker Maria W. Stewart (1803–1879) made important contributions to ethnology but remains understudied. I argue that Stewart is a black feminist ethnologist because she aligns herself with her black male interlocutors on the core points of ethnology. Yet Stewart adds a distinctly black feminist position to the conversation. By focusing on Stewart's speech “An Address Delivered to the African Masonic Hall” (1833), I show that she concurs with her contemporaries that black people are inherently great because of their genealogical connection to Africa. Stewart also agrees that the inherent greatness of blacks establishes their claim to sociopolitical rights. I argue that Stewart's call for racial unity makes her a proto-black feminist and is a unique feature of her contribution to African American ethnology. Stewart's call demands that white people be held responsible for the harm that they have caused to blacks, which can be remedied by the races coming together on equal footing.
Dialogical Answerability and Autonomy Ascription
Authors: Lee J. Y.
Published: March 2022

Ascribing autonomous status to agents is a valuable practice. As such, we ought to care about how we engage in practices of autonomy ascription. However, disagreement between first-personal experiences of an agent's autonomy and third-personal determinations of their autonomy presents challenges of ethical and epistemic concern. My view is that insights from a dialogical rather than nondialogical account of autonomy give us the resources to combat the challenges associated with autonomy ascription. I draw on Andrea Westlund's account of dialogical autonomy—on which autonomy requires a dialogical disposition to hold oneself answerable to external critical perspectives—to make my case.
Listwise Deletion in High Dimensions
Authors: Wang J. Sophia , Aronow P. M.
Published: March 2022

We consider the properties of listwise deletion when both n and the number of variables grow large. We show that when (i) all data have some idiosyncratic missingness and (ii) the number of variables grows superlogarithmically in n, then, for large n, listwise deletion will drop all rows with probability 1. Using two canonical datasets from the study of comparative politics and international relations, we provide numerical illustration that these problems may emerge in real-world settings. These results suggest that, in practice, using listwise deletion may mean using few of the variables available to the researcher.
Jump phenomena of the n-th eigenvalue of discrete Sturm–Liouville problems with application to the continuous case
Authors: Ren Guojing , Zhu Hao
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we characterize jump phenomena of the $n$-th eigenvalue of self-adjoint discrete Sturm–Liouville problems in any dimension. For a fixed Sturm–Liouville equation, we completely characterize jump phenomena of the $n$-th eigenvalue. For a fixed boundary condition, unlike in the continuous case, the $n$-th eigenvalue exhibits jump phenomena and we describe the singularity under a non-degenerate assumption. Compared with the continuous case in Hu et al. (2019, J. Differ. Equ.266, 4106–4136) and Kong et al. (1999, J. Differ. Equ.156, 328–354), the jump set here is involved with coefficients of the Sturm–Liouville equations. This, along with arbitrariness of the dimension, causes difficulty when dividing the jump areas. We study the singularity by partitioning and analysing the local coordinate systems, and provide a Hermitian matrix which can determine the areas’ division. To prove the asymptotic behaviour of the $n$-th eigenvalue, we generalize the method developed in Zhu and Shi (2016, J. Differ. Equ.260, 5987–6016) to any dimension. As an application, by transforming the continuous Sturm–Liouville problem of Atkinson type to a discrete one, we determine the number of eigenvalues and obtain complete characterization of jump phenomena of the $n$-th eigenvalue for the Atkinson type.
History Is Not Destiny: Colonial Compensation Litigation and South Korea–Japan Relations
Authors: Kim Marie Seong-Hak
Published: March 2022

Recent colonial compensation lawsuits reflect the metamorphosis of historical grievances in collective public memory into tort claims in private law. This article provides a synthetic view of the nexus of colonial law and history in South Korea–Japan relations, focusing on cross-border litigation brought by former forced laborers and victims of sexual servitude known as “comfort women” during World War II. The concept of public policy (ordre public) in Korea, which has colonial origins, has long served law courts as the standard for deciding the validity of a juristic act. But of late heavy reliance on the general clauses of law in legal proceedings has risked turning history and law into handmaids of national spirit, muddling historical accountability and legal liability. Improvement of South Korea–Japan ties should start from a more accurate understanding of colonial laws and a rounded appreciation of their shared legal history.
Effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on subjective tinnitus perception
Authors: Aydoğan Z , Çinar Satekin M , Ocak E , Tokgoz Yilmaz S
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study investigated the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on tinnitus severity and quality of life in individuals with subjective tinnitus.

Methods

The study was carried out during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Sixty patients were evaluated with the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory and a visual analogue scale on resonance intensity and disturbance, together with questions assessing their emotional states.

Results

There was a significant difference between the visual analogue scale and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory scores before the pandemic and during the pandemic. It was determined that tinnitus loudness and annoyance were significantly worse in the pandemic and, consequently, that the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic negatively affected perceptions of tinnitus and quality of life.

Conclusion

Psychological support can affect positively the perception of tinnitus and the change in moods experienced during the pandemic. Because personal contact and quotidian activities are severely limited during the pandemic, internet-based interventions should be prioritised in tinnitus therapy.