bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Analysis of Minimally Invasive Percutaneous Treatment of Severe Lumbar Disc Herniation with UBE Two-Channel Endoscopy and Foraminal Single-Channel Endoscopy Technique
Authors: Yuan Cuihua , Wen Baojun , Lin Hongkuan
Published: October 2022

For surgical treatment, herniation of traditional open surgery is the traditional approach and the representative operation for lamina windowing excision of nucleus pulposus. In recent years, the unilateral dual channel spine endoscopic technology (UBE/BESS) has caused extensive concern of spine surgery performer. This research compared the results of minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of severe lumbar disc herniation with foraminal single-channel endoscopy and unilateral biportal endoscopy (UBE). A retrospective study was conducted on 50 patients with severe disc herniation treated with minimally invasive percutaneous treatment in MinDong Hospital affiliated to Fujian Medical University from September 2019 to September 2021. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into two groups: foraminal single-channel endoscopic group and UBE dual-channel endoscopic group. There were 22 cases in the UBE surgery group and 28 cases in the interforaminal endoscopic group. The comparison included operation time, postoperative hospital stays, preoperative and postoperative pain scale (VAS), and postoperative MRI to observe the residual condition of prolapsed nucleus pulposus and the occurrence of complications. There were no significant differences between the UBE group and the interforaminal endoscopic group in incision length, operation time, postoperative hospital stays, and improvement of VAS score before and after surgery. In terms of postoperative nucleus pulposus residual rate and postoperative recurrence rate, the two-channel UBE group was significantly better than the single-channel interforaminal endoscopic group. The incidence of postoperative anemia in the interforaminal endoscopic group was significantly lower than that in the UBE group. In the treatment of severe disc herniation, UBE two-channel endoscopy has the advantages of lower recurrence rate, lower nucleus pulposus residual rate, shorter learning curve, and better field of vision than foraminal single-channel endoscopy, which is worth promoting in primary hospitals.
Effects of Nifedipine and Labetalol Combined with Magnesium Sulfate on Blood Pressure Control, Blood Coagulation Function, and Maternal and Infant Outcome in Patients with Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Authors: Shao Yuping , Gu Siyi , Zhang Xiaoping
Published: October 2022

Objective. The purpose is to investigate the influence of nifedipine, labetalol, and magnesium sulfate on blood pressure control, blood coagulation, and maternal and infant outcome in those suffering from pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). Methods. From January 2019 to April 2021, 100 participants with PIH in our center were randomly assigned to a control group and a research group. As a control, nifedipine combined with magnesium sulfate was administered. Nifedipine, labetalol, and magnesium sulfate were administered to the research group. The curative effect, blood pressure level, blood coagulation function, vascular endothelial function, and pregnancy comparisons were made between the two groups. Results. Based on the results of the study, the effective rate totaled 92.00%, while as for the control group, it was 80.0%, which indicates that there was a statistically significant difference between the effective rates of the research group and that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Blood pressure and blood coagulation function did not differ significantly between the two groups before treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant (

P
>
0.05

). After treatment, both groups experienced a significant drop in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. After treatment, a higher PT index was found in the research group than in the control group. Likewise, the Fbg, D-D, and PLT were lower compared to those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Neither group had significantly different vascular endothelial function before treatment, and the difference was not statistically significant (

P
>
0.05

). After treatment, the ET-1 of the two groups decreased, and the level of NO increased. There was a lower ET-1 in the research group than in the control group as well as a higher NO level in the research group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Compared with the pregnancy outcome, in comparison to the controls, the research group had a higher vaginal delivery rate. Significantly, fewer cases of fetal distress, intrauterine asphyxia, and placental abruption were reported in the research group than in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (

P
<
0.05

). Conclusion. Nifedipine, in combination with magnesium sulfate and labetalol, is effective at treating PIH, reducing blood pressure, improving blood coagulation, preventing cardiovascular events and vascular endothelial function, and further improve the pregnancy outcome.
Intramuscular Tranexamic Acid Administration on the Battlefield
Authors: Steele David , Ballard P. Kjell , Burke Riley , Ferguson Brian
Published: October 2022

Background. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is routinely administered intravenously (IV) and intraosseously (IO) in response to exsanguination. Case. This report describes a patient who sustained multiple high-powered rifle gunshot wounds that received battlefield-environment intramuscular (IM) administration of TXA due to inability to obtain IV / IO access. This case represents the unlikely positive outcome in the setting of multiple remarkable obstacles, which may have been ameliorated by novel administration of TXA. Conclusion. Cases of IM TXA administration as a primary intervention are not well represented in the current body of medical literature. This case report highlights a clinical scenario where IM TXA was utilized as part of first-line treatment that led to a positive clinical outcome. Although IM TXA is not yet endorsed by current trauma guidelines, this case suggests that IM route administration of TXA should be further investigated. If indeed IM administration of TXA proves just as efficacious as alternative routes, this would hold considerable advantageous implications for austere situations were sterility and IV / IO placement are impractical. This would also represent another avenue by which to decrease the time-to-TXA for patients, allowing sooner correction of hemorrhage and trauma-associated coagulopathy.
A Stepwise Discrimination Method of Multi-Index in Landslide Stability Monitoring
Authors: Chen Hao , Wu Honggang
Published: October 2022

The deep displacement monitoring can directly reflect the deformation information inside the slope and can provide an important evidence for the identification of landslide stability. Based on the monitoring data on deep displacement of borehole, there are many monitoring indicators that can reflect the slope state. However, these indicators have their own applicability, and they are independent of each other, which cannot fully reflect the true movement state of the landslide. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a scientific method to give full play to the strengths of each monitoring index and improve the accuracy of identification for landslide stability. Here, the near-surface accumulative displacement, displacement rate, kinetic energy, and the rate of change of kinetic energy are selected as main monitoring indicators to establish a multi-index stepwise discrimination method for landslide stability in this study. This method analyzes the total deformation characteristics and movement trend of landslide from three aspects: surface displacement, internal displacement rate, and slope energy. Relied on the monitoring data on deep displacement of borehole of a landslide in Wushan County, Chongqing, China, this study finds that a single index is easily disturbed by external factors, causing the abnormal mutation in curve which affects analysis of landslide deformation. The variation characteristics of curve among multiple indexes can be mutually corroborated, effectively identify the abnormal fluctuation of the curve, and avoid the identification errors of landslide movement state. In addition, we also found that when there is an obvious sliding surface on the slope, the displacement rate curve will cluster at the sliding surface along the depth direction in this study. And this feature can be used as an important basis for the identification of sliding surface. The method proposed in this study can provide reference and suggestions for the actual treatment of landslide and monitoring data on deep displacement mining.
CD47-blocking Antibody ZL-1201 Promotes Tumor-associated Macrophage Phagocytic Activity and Enhances the Efficacy of the Therapeutic Antibodies and Chemotherapy
Authors: Cao Anthony , Yi Jiaqing , Tang Xinyan , Szeto Christopher W. , Wu Renyi , Wan Bing , Fang Xu , Li Shou , Wang Lei , Wang Lina , Li Jing , Ye Qiuping , Huang Tom , Hsu Karl , Kabbarah Omar , Zhou Haiying
Published: October 2022

Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) are the most abundant immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. They consist of various subsets but primarily resemble the M2 macrophage phenotype. TAMs are known to promote tumor progression and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. CD47 on tumor cells and SIRPα on TAMs facilitate a “don't-eat-me” signal which prevents cancer cells from immune clearance. Therefore, blockade of the CD47–SIRPα interaction represents a promising strategy for tumor immunotherapy. Here, we present the results on ZL-1201, a differentiated and potent anti-CD47 antibody with improved hematologic safety profile compared with 5F9 benchmark. ZL-1201 enhanced phagocytosis in combination with standards of care (SoC) therapeutic antibodies in in vitro coculture systems using a panel of tumor models and differentiated macrophages, and these combinational effects are Fc dependent while potently enhancing M2 phagocytosis. In vivo xenograft studies showed that enhanced antitumor activities were seen in a variety of tumor models treated with ZL-1201 in combination with other therapeutic mAbs, and maximal antitumor activities were achieved in the presence of chemotherapy in addition to the combination of ZL-1201 with other mAbs. Moreover, tumor-infiltrating immune cells and cytokine analysis showed that ZL-1201 and chemotherapies remodel the tumor microenvironment, which increases antitumor immunity, leading to augmented antitumor efficacy when combined with mAbs.

Significance:

ZL-1201 is a novel anti-CD47 antibody that has improved hematologic safety profiles and combines with SoC, including mAbs and chemotherapies, to potently facilitate phagocytosis and antitumor efficacy.
Intrapericardial Exosome Therapy Dampens Cardiac Injury via Activating Foxo3
Authors: Zhu Dashuai , Liu Shuo , Huang Ke , Wang Zhenzhen , Hu Shiqi , Li Junlang , Li Zhenhua , Cheng Ke
Published: October 2022

Background:

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-derived exosomes are well recognized immunomodulating agents for cardiac repair, while the detailed mechanisms remain elusive. The Pericardial drainage pathway provides the heart with immunosurveillance and establishes a simplified model for studying the mechanisms underlying the immunomodulating effects of therapeutic exosomes.

Methods:

Myocardial infarction (MI) models with and without pericardiectomy (corresponding to Tomy MI and NonTomy MI) were established to study the functions of pericardial drainage pathway in immune activation of cardiac-draining mediastinal lymph node (MLN). Using the NonTomy MI model, MSC exosomes or vehicle PBS was intrapericardially injected for MI treatment. Via cell sorting and RNA-seq (RNA-sequencing) analysis, the differentially expressed genes were acquired for integrated pathway analysis to identify responsible mechanisms. Further, through functional knockdown/inhibition studies, application of cytokines and neutralizing antibodies, western blot, flow cytometry, and cytokine array, the molecular mechanisms were studied. In addition, the therapeutic efficacy of intrapericardially injected exosomes for MI treatment was evaluated through functional and histological analyses.

Results:

We show that the pericardial draining pathway promoted immune activation in the MLN following MI. Intrapericardially injected exosomes accumulated in the MLN and induced regulatory T cell differentiation to promote cardiac repair. Mechanistically, uptake of exosomes by major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-II
+
antigen-presenting cells (APCs) induced Foxo3 activation via the protein phosphatase (PP)-2A/p-Akt/forkhead box O3 (Foxo3) pathway. Foxo3 dominated APC cytokines (IL-10, IL-33, and IL-34) expression and built up a regulatory T cell (Treg)-inducing niche in the MLN. The differentiation of Tregs as well as their cardiac deployment were elevated, which contributed to cardiac inflammation resolution and cardiac repair.

Conclusions:

This study reveals a novel mechanism underlying the immunomodulation effects of MSC exosomes and provides a promising candidate (PP2A/p-Akt/Foxo3 signaling pathway) with a favorable delivery route (intrapericardial injection) for cardiac repair.
Effect of 3, 2-Drug Combinations of Antihypertensive Therapies on Blood Pressure Variability in Black African Patients: Secondary Analyses of the CREOLE Trial
Authors: Ojji Dike B. , Cornelius Victoria , Partington Giles , Francis Veronica , Pandie Shahiemah , Smythe Wynand , Hickman Nicky , Barasa Felix , Damasceno Albertino , Dzudie Anastase , Jones Erika , Ingabire Prossie Merab , Mondo Charles , Ogah Okechukwu , Ogola Elijah , Sani Mahmoud U. , Shedul Gabriel Lamkur , Shedul Grace , Rayner Brian , Sliwa Karen , Poulter Neil ,   for CREOLE Investigators
Published: October 2022

Background:

The effect of 3 commonly recommended combinations of anti-hypertensive agents—amlodipine plus hydrochlorothiazide (calcium channel blocker [CCB]+thiazide), amlodipine plus perindopril (CCB+ACE [angiotensin-converting enzyme]-inhibitor), and perindopril plus hydrochlorothiazide (ACE-inhibitor+thiazide) on blood pressure variability (V) are unknown.

Methods:

We calculated the blood pressure variability (BPV) in 405 patients (130, 146, and 129 randomized to ACE-inhibitor+thiazide, CCB+thiazide, and CCB+ACE-inhibitor, respectively) who underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring after 6 months of treatment in the Comparisons of Three Combinations Therapies in Lowering Blood Pressure in Black Africans trial (CREOLE) of Black African patients. BPV was calculated using the SD of 30-minute interval values for 24-hour ambulatory BPs and for confirmation using the coefficient of variation. Linear mixed model regression was used to calculate mean differences in BPV between treatment arms. Within-clinic BPV was also calculated from the mean SD and coefficient of variation of 3 readings at clinic visits.

Results:

Baseline distributions of age, sex, and blood pressure parameters were similar across treatment groups. Participants were predominately male (62.2%) with mean age 50.4 years. Those taking CCB+thiazide had significantly reduced ambulatory systolic and diastolic BPV compared with those taking ACE-inhibitor+thiazide. The CCB+thiazide and CCB+ACE-inhibitor groups showed similar BPV. Similar patterns of BPV were apparent among groups using within-clinic blood pressures and when assessed by coefficient of variation.

Conclusions:

Compared with CCB-containing combinations, ACE-inhibitor plus thiazide was associated with higher levels, generally significant, of ambulatory and within-clinic systolic and diastolic BPV. These results supplement the differential ambulatory blood pressure–lowering effects of these therapies in the CREOLE trial.
ARRB2 (β-Arrestin-2) Deficiency Alters Fluid Homeostasis and Blood Pressure Regulation
Authors: Mathieu Natalia M. , Nakagawa Pablo , Grobe Connie C. , Reho John J. , Brozoski Daniel T. , Lu Ko-Ting , Wackman Kelsey K. , Ritter McKenzie L. , Segar Jeffrey L. , Grobe Justin L. , Sigmund Curt D.
Published: October 2022

Background:

GPCRs (G protein–coupled receptors) are implicated in blood pressure (BP) and fluid intake regulation. There is a developing concept that these effects are mediated by both canonical G protein signaling and noncanonical β-arrestin mediated signaling, but the contributions of each remain largely unexplored. Here, we hypothesized that β-arrestin contributes to fluid homeostasis and blood pressure (BP) regulation in deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) salt hypertension, a prototypical model of salt-sensitive hypertension.

Methods:

Global β-arrestin1 (
Arrb1
) and β-arrestin2 (
Arrb2
) knockout mice were employed to evaluate drinking behavior, and BP was evaluated in
Arrb2
-knockout mice. Age- and sex-matched C57BL/6 mice served as controls. We measured intake of water and different sodium chloride solutions and BP employing a 2-bottle choice paradigm with and without DOCA.

Results:

Without DOCA (baseline),
Arrb2
-knockout mice exhibited a significant elevation in saline intake with no change in water intake. With DOCA treatment,
Arrb2
-knockout mice exhibited a significant increase in both saline and water intake. Although
Arrb2
-knockout mice exhibited hypernatremia at baseline conditions, we did not find significant changes in total body sodium stores or sodium palatability. In a separate cohort, BP was measured via telemetry in
Arrb2
-knockout and C57BL/6 mice with and without DOCA.
Arrb2
-knockout did not exhibit significant differences in BP before DOCA treatment when provided water alone, or when provided a choice of water and saline. However,
Arrb2
-knockout exhibited an increased pressor response to DOCA-salt.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that in salt-sensitive hypertension, ARRB2, but not ARRB1 (β-arrestin 1), might counterbalance the canonical signaling of GPCRs.
Circuit analysis of the Drosophila brain using connectivity-based neuronal classification reveals organization of key communication pathways
Authors: Mehta Ketan , Goldin Rebecca F. , Ascoli Giorgio A.
Published: October 2022

We present a functionally relevant, quantitative characterization of the neural circuitry of Drosophila melanogaster at the mesoscopic level of neuron types as classified exclusively based on potential network connectivity. Starting from a large neuron-to-neuron brain-wide connectome of the fruit fly, we use stochastic block modeling and spectral graph clustering to group neurons together into a common “cell class” if they connect to neurons of other classes according to the same probability distributions. We then characterize the connectivity-based cell classes with standard neuronal biomarkers, including neurotransmitters, developmental birthtimes, morphological features, spatial embedding, and functional anatomy. Mutual information indicates that connectivity-based classification reveals aspects of neurons that are not adequately captured by traditional classification schemes. Next, using graph theoretic and random walk analyses to identify neuron classes as hubs, sources, or destinations, we detect pathways and patterns of directional connectivity that potentially underpin specific functional interactions in the Drosophila brain. We uncover a core of highly interconnected dopaminergic cell classes functioning as the backbone communication pathway for multisensory integration. Additional predicted pathways pertain to the facilitation of circadian rhythmic activity, spatial orientation, fight-or-flight response, and olfactory learning. Our analysis provides experimentally testable hypotheses critically deconstructing complex brain function from organized connectomic architecture.
Checklist of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae)
Authors: SEKULIĆ JOVANA , STOJANOVIĆ MIRJANA , POPOVIĆ FILIP , TRAKIĆ TANJA
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a list of the earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) is presented, including literature data, unpublished data from our collection and new data from the field. In this list, earthworm diversity, general ecology, their distribution and zoogeographical types are presented as well. The currently known earthworm fauna of Bosnia & Herzegovina is comprised of 49 species belonging to 12 genera, with Dendrobaena being the species-richest genus (11). Our zoogeographic analysis has shown presence of 9 different types of distribution. Аlmost one third of all species represent either peregrines (14 species, 28.57%) or endemic (13 species, 26.53%). A higher fraction of the endemic species belongs to the Allolobophora and Dendrobaena genera. With the 13 endemic and some Balkanic-Alpine (4), Alpine-Dinaric (2), Illyric (Western Balkans) (2) species, it is proven that 42.85% of the total lumbricidae fauna shows an autochthonous character. These results represent another confirmation of particularity of this fauna and prove the need for further research in this area.
Contribution to the taxonomy of Uvarovia (Orthoptera: Chorotypidae: Mnesicleinae) from Borneo and Malay Peninsula
Authors: TAN MING KAI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y. C.
Published: October 2022

Mnesicleinae is a little-known subfamily of Chorotypidae and consists of 19 genera distributed throughout the Malay Archipelago, including Uvarovia Bolívar, 1930. For many species from this subfamily, nearly nothing is known after their original descriptions. Based on new materials from recent surveys, we were able to examine specimens from two species: Uvarovia longipennis Bolívar, 1930 from Malay Peninsula (also type species for genus) and Uvarovia gracilipes Bolívar, 1931 from Borneo. Only female specimens were known for the two species. Here, we describe for the first time males specimens of Uvarovia longipennis and Uvarovia gracilipes. We also present an updated key to species of Uvarovia and a key to genera of Mnesicleinae from Borneo and Malay Peninsula.
Rosalydia, a new genus of Neocoelidiinae (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) from Brazilian Amazon, with description of three new species
Authors: GONÇALVES CLAYTON CORRÊA , VIEGAS EDUARDA FERNANDA GOMES
Published: October 2022

A new neocoelidiine leafhopper genus from the Brazilian Amazon, Rosalydia gen. nov., is described based on three new species: R. alvarengai gen. et sp. nov. from the state of Mato Grosso, R. inpa gen. et sp. nov. and R. xavieri gen. et sp. nov. from the state of Amazonas. An identification key to species of Rosalydia gen. nov. is provided.
A review of the genus Monseremus Ingrisch, 2018 (Orthoptera, Stenopelmatoidea, Gryllacrididae) from Borneo
Authors: TAN MING KAI , JAPIR RAZY , CHUNG ARTHUR Y.C. , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: October 2022

We review the taxonomy of the gryllacridids from a small genus Monseremus Ingrisch, 2018. Monseremus bellus (Tan & Wahab, 2018) comb. nov., previously described from Brunei Darussalam before the description of Monseremus, is now added as a second known species in this genus. From a recent field trip, we also added new locality record for the type species Monseremus appendiculatus Ingrisch, 2018. First described from Mount Kinabalu in western Sabah, this species has now been reported also in Mount Silam in eastern Sabah. Males of the type species were also collected for the first time and are described here. Lastly, we provide a dichotomous key to separate these two species.
Description of the immature and mature larvae of Bocchus scobiolae Nagy (Hymenoptera: Dryinidae)
Authors: GUGLIELMINO A. , OLMI M. , VÁRI G. , CAPRADOSSI L. , BÜCKLE C.
Published: October 2022

The last immature instar and the mature larva of Bocchus scobiolae are described and illustrated for the first time. The affinities of both immature and mature larvae of Bocchus scobiolae and Mystrophorus formicaeformis are discussed to define larval characters of the subfamily Bocchinae.
Review of the Pareques acuminatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) species complex, with revalidation of Pareques lineatus (Cuvier, 1830) from the Western Atlantic (Percomorphacea: Sciaenidae)
Authors: CARVALHO-FILHO ALFREDO , OLIVEIRA CLAUDIO , MAXIMIANO LORIANE , TAVERA JOSE , ACERO ARTURO P. , MARCENIUK ALEXANDRE PIRES
Published: October 2022

Recently, different studies have revealed the existence of complexes of marine fish species of several genera from the Western Atlantic (e.g., Bagre, Peprilus, Bairdiella, Pogonias and Menticirrhus), with a correspondence between recognized species and well-established geographic areas such as the Gulf of Mexico, the Caribbean, and Brazil, showing the need to improve the taxonomic knowledge of coastal fishes in the region. In this work, we revalidate and redescribe Pareques lineatus (Cuvier, 1830) described from Brazil, and redescribe and designate a neotype to P. acuminatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) to differentiate it properly from its congeners. The recognition of P. acuminatus for the east coast of the USA plus the Gulf of Mexico and of P. lineatus for Brazil, with the West Indies and southern Caribbean as an area of overlap, brings new information about biodiversity in Western Atlantic coastal areas and confirms a previously proposed major biogeographical boundary.
New record of Orgalonia van Achterberg and description of a new species of Orgilus Haliday (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Orgilinae) from India
Authors: AHMED ISHTIAQ , KAZMI SARFRAZUL ISLAM , RAMESHKUMAR ANANDHAN
Published: October 2022

Orgilinae is a small group of family Braconidae containing about 200 species globally including 4 Indian species. In the present work genus Orgilonia is recorded for the first time from India along with the redescription and illustrations of Orgilonia ashmeadi (Viereck, 1911). A new species Orgilus indicus sp. nov. is described from India, and a key to Indian tribes, genera and species with a checklist of Indian species belonging to subfamily Orgilinae is also provided.
Experiences Administering Naloxone Among People in Different Social Roles: People Who Use Opioids and Family Members and Friends
Authors: Urmanche Adelya A. , Harocopos Alex
Published: October 2022

Unintentional drug overdose deaths continue to be a critical public health issue. Naloxone, a nonscheduled, safe, and effective drug that reverses opioid-involved overdoses is available to non-medically trained individuals (“lay people”), but there is scant information about how people in different social roles experience naloxone administration. We conducted 24 in-depth interviews with people who use opioids (PWUO; n = 15) and family members and friends of people who use opioids (FF; n = 9) who had administered naloxone in response to an opioid overdose. Compared with PWUO, members of the FF group were less reticent to administer naloxone in response to an overdose. PWUO and FF had different perspectives of law enforcement and demonstrated varied knowledge of the Good Samaritan Law. While PWUO found that having and administering naloxone was empowering, FF took a more pragmatic approach, reporting the need for naloxone as an unfortunate reality of their loved one’s drug use.
The End of Life Accompanied by COVID-19: A Qualitative Study on Grief During the First OutBreak In Peru (Part I)
Authors: Moya-Salazar Jeel , Zuñiga Nahomi , Cañari Betsy , Jaime-Quispe Alexis , Chicoma-Flores Karina , Contreras-Pulache Hans
Published: October 2022

Due to the massive deaths and high level of contagion brought about by COVID-19, burial practices and the way we bury our dead are being affected by SARS-CoV-2 confinement and control measures. Here, we aimed to examine the changing of death, dying, and mourning during the first wave and quarantine applied in Peru with the arrival of COVID-19 in 2020. Using a qualitative approach, 15 participants who lost a family member because of COVID-19 were interviewed by telephone and video call. Our results revealed that death in isolation, the loss of rituals, and the farewell to relatives have dramatically affected family members. Peruvian funeral practices were altered by health provisions, making it a challenge to accompany relatives at the end of life. This way of coping with death can affect family wellbeing, for which no interventions have yet been proposed to improve the quality of life during bereavement.
Job Type, Religion, and Muslim Gender as Predictors of Discrimination in Employment Settings
Authors: Mansouri Kazhal , Perlow Richard
Published: October 2022

Most employment discrimination research has focused on race and gender. The relatively fewer papers dealing with religion suggests that discrimination exists. We extend the literature by examining the effects of job type (public safety/non-public safety), religion (Muslim/non-Muslim) and Muslim gender on selection decisions. Participants ranked applicants and made judgments on trust and whether to interview applicants after evaluating seven resumes for either a shipping clerk or a security guard position. Participants rated Muslim applicants lower than non-Muslim applicants for the security guard position. We found no evidence of discrimination in the shipping clerk position. Perceived trust may be a possible explanation for some of the decisions people made. We also found that the Muslim female candidate was rated higher than the Muslim male candidate for the security guard position; no gender differences existed for the shipping clerk position. Our findings are consistent with the gender discrimination literature in that job type affected the extent to which religious-based discrimination occurred and the intersectionality literature/models specifying that combinations of demographics can impact judgments. One implication is the need to incorporate religion in discrimination interventions.
Robust fault estimation for polynomial systems with time delay via a polynomial adaptive observer
Authors: Gassara Hamdi , Elloumi Mourad , Naifar Omar , Ben Makhlouf Abdellatif
Published: October 2022

In this paper, a robust fault estimation for polynomial systems with time delay via a polynomial adaptive observer is presented and described. In fact, in contrast to previous research works on actuator faults, the learning rate utilized to govern the convergence speed of states and faults errors is not predetermined but is derived using the sum of squares optimization problem. Furthermore, the [Formula: see text] optimization approach was created to reduce the impact of disturbances on state estimation error and fault estimation error. Finally, an illustrative practical example is given to validate the effectiveness of the suggested methodology.
Modelling the effects of personal factors on information security awareness
Authors: Albayrak Ebru , Bağcı Hakkı
Published: October 2022

According to research, the number of attacks on the Internet has been increasing each year. Hence, information security awareness is a very significant skill. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate the effects of students’ personal factors on their information security awareness. The researchers conducted a quantitative study that examines a theoretical model. The data were collected from 684 undergraduate students via three data tools. The effects of variables on information security awareness were explained via path analysis. The mediating role of technology attitude was examined in the relationship between information security awareness and the individual variables for the first time. The findings showed that gender and grade did not directly affect information security awareness levels, while attending information security training, department and technology attitude had a significant effect. On the other hand, some personal factors indirectly affected information security awareness. This analysis offered substantial contributions to the literature in uncovering the effects of variables on students’ information security awareness in a holistic way. The results can guide planning for information security training to increase information security awareness by considering personal factors.
Toxicologic Pathology Forum: Opinion on Not Euthanizing Control Animals in the Recovery Phase of Non-Rodent Toxicology Studies
Authors: Janardhan Kyathanahalli S. , Sura Radhakrishna , Salian-Mehta Smita , Flandre Thierry , Palazzi Xavier , Zane Doris , Singh Bhanu , Jacob Binod , Hukkanen Renee Rosemary , Al-Haddawi Muthafar , Bennet Bindu , Laast Victoria , Lee Donna , Peterson Richard , Romeike Annette , Schorsch Frederic , Guffroy Magali
Published: October 2022

Nonclinical toxicology studies that are required to support human clinical trials of new drug candidates are generally conducted in a rodent and a non-rodent species. These studies typically contain a vehicle control group and low, intermediate, and high dose test article groups. In addition, a dosing-free recovery phase is sometimes included to determine reversibility of potential toxicities observed during the dosing phase and may include additional animals in the vehicle control and one or more dose groups. Typically, reversibility is determined by comparing the test article–related changes in the dosing phase animals to concurrent recovery phase animals at the same dose level. Therefore, for interpretation of reversibility, it is not always essential to euthanize the recovery vehicle control animals. In the absence of recovery vehicle control tissues, the pathologist’s experience, historical control database, digital or glass slide repositories, or literature can be used to interpret the findings in the context of background pathology of the species/strain/age. Therefore, in most studies, the default approach could be not to euthanize recovery vehicle control animals. This article provides opinions on scenarios that may or may not necessitate euthanasia of recovery phase vehicle control animals in nonclinical toxicology studies involving dogs and nonhuman primates.
The importance of investing in policies beyond ‘the basics': Perspectives from black fathers in Philadelphia on how to increase community safety
Authors: Henson Abigail , Rosenthal Jessica
Published: October 2022

The police killings of unarmed Black men and women, particularly in the year 2020, fueled a moral outcry for defunding the police. The defund movement asserts that divested police funds should be invested in communities most devastated by hyper-policing. However, decisions on which community services to finance are often void of community input. To fill this gap, the current study highlights responses from 50 Black fathers living in southwest Philadelphia on community resources necessary for themselves and their children to live safe and prosperous lives. The men explained that, to enhance public safety and recover from the devastation of social stigmatization and marginalization, funds need to be invested in resources beyond the ‘basics' (i.e., housing, employment, health care). Specifically, the fathers wanted local educational and entrepreneurial opportunities that would allow community members to demonstrate their full potential. The current study informs policymakers on the importance of building community capacity rather than focusing solely on service delivery.
Treatment and outcome of a patient with low-energy ‘Logsplitter’ injury
Authors: Zhang Hongjie , lin Hai , Lin Zengping , Ke Junquan , Zhong Jiping , Nie Darong , Zheng Yihong , Zhang Jiafang
Published: October 2022

The low-energy ‘Logsplitter’ fracture, caused by a sprain or fall, is characterized by an intact or slightly separated inferior tibiofibular joint. Compared with the high-energy ‘Logsplitter’ fracture, this atypical subtype is rarely seen and is easily missed. Here, the case of a 33-year-old male patient with a fractured right ankle as a result of a sprain during walking is reported. The patient initially received routine surgical treatment comprising internal fixation of the fibular, medial and posterior malleoli. Unexpectedly, post-surgery imaging examinations revealed that the medial clear space of the right ankle had widened to 6 mm, due to incomplete reduction of the lateral malleolus, shortening and rotation of the fibula, and an unreduced avulsion fracture block of the anterior malleolus. A revision surgery was then performed to anatomically reduce and fix the lateral malleolus, as well as the anterior malleolus avulsion fracture. During 5 months following surgery, the patient achieved good fracture union and functional restoration of the right ankle. For this rare injury, the present case demonstrates that complete restoration of the fracture is required to achieve good clinical efficacy.
Deconstruction of Commuters’ Activity Space and Social Exclusion under Anchor Point Theory: A Case Study of Kunming, China
Authors: Zheng Hui , He Baohong , Liu Yang , Li Xuefeng
Published: October 2022

Activity space directly reflects residents’ utilization of urban space and their quality of life. However, the existing activity space measurement methods do not consider the differences in individual participation in different activities. To solve this problem, this study proposes a new method based on anchor theory to describe the activity space of urban commuters. First, the activity space is defined as the collection of space-time resources available in personal daily travel activities. According to the activity type, the activity space is divided into restricted space and free space. Second, using the survey data collected from Kunming city, China, three activity space patterns of commuters are identified, namely the restrict-oriented, free-oriented, and balance-oriented. Third, the influencing factors of different activity space patterns of commuters, including socio-demographics and built environment, are investigated using a multinomial logistic model. The results show that the method of deconstructing activity space can better describe the behavior patterns of urban residents. Besides, this study identifies the commuters who have small activity space but are not socially excluded and those who have large activity space but are at risk of social exclusion. This finding complements the previous identification of social exclusion. The research results can help policymakers develop suitable policies to avoid the mismatch between urban facilities and residents’ needs.
Green synthesis of chicory (Cichorium intybus L.) Chitosan nanoparticles and evaluation of their anti-fungal, anti-hemolytic, and anti-cancer activities
Authors: Tuorkey Muobarak , Khedr Yasser , Aborhyem Samar , Xue Xiang
Published: October 2022

Chicory ( Cichorium intybus L.) is widely consumed as a food plant in many regions of the world and has been involved in traditional medicine due to its unique contents of phytochemicals. We aimed to investigate the anti-fungal, anti-hemolytic, and anti-cancer activities of chicory roots and leaves ethanolic extracts, and their Chitosan nanoparticles (Chit NPs) formulations. The ethanolic extract of chicory roots and leaves were microencapsulated into Chit NPs. The anti-hemolytic, anti-fungal, and anti-cancer activity of chicory extracts and their Chit-NPs were investigated, along with an in vitro toxicological study. Chicory extracts encapsulation into Chit NPs increased their anti-fungal activity against two fungal pathogens, Candida albicans and Aspergillus flavus. Chicory extracts and their Chit NPs appeared strong anti-hemolytic activity in hypotonic media. Due to microencapsulation of roots and leaves extracts into Chit NPs, the IC50 was decreased 2.49 and 2.6-folds in HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, and 6.31 and 5.50-folds in HepG2 and MCF-7 cell lines, respectively. The in vitro toxicological study revealed that the IC50 of chicory roots (56.84 ± 6.4 μg/ml) and leaves (45.51 ± 4.2 μg/ml) decreased 8.45 and 6.77-folds in the normal human fibroblasts (WI38) cell line, compared to Doxorubicin (6.72 ± 0.5 μg/ml). Microencapsulation of extracts into Chit NPs increased their toxicity 2.43-folds for Chit-Roots NPs (IC50 = 23.35 ± 2.3 μg/ml) and 1.22-fold for Chit-Leaves NPs (IC50 = 37.29 ± 2.9 μg/ml). Chicory-Chit NPs possess promising anti-cancer and anti-hemolytic activities. It is worth for further testing their efficacy and toxicity in pre-clinical animal models as well as clinical trials.
Relationship among Environmental Performance, R&D Expenditure and Financial Performance: Evidence from Indian Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Verma Ruchita , Sharma Dhanraj , Priyanka
Published: October 2022

The study is conducted to analyse the effect of environmental performance on the financial performance of 67 Indian manufacturing listed companies, categorized into most polluting and least polluting companies for the period of 7 years i.e. from 2014–15 to 2020–21. The present study has employed environmental performance as independent variable measured by various environmental performance measures. The content analysis has been conducted to estimate the environmental performance scores. The study covers both measures of financial performance, i.e. accounting-based measures (Return on Equity) and market-based performance measures (Market to Book value ratio) as dependent variables. The control variables used in the study are ownership structure (promoter ownership, institutional ownership and foreign ownership), firm size, leverage ratio, firm age and sale to asset ratio. By using the feasible generalized least square method, the study found a positive association of environmental performance with financial performance of both categories of companies. In contrast, an adverse effect of research and development expenditure on performance has been observed. The study witnessed the moderating impact of research and development expenditure on the relationship between environmental and financial performance. The study found the mixed effect of ownership structure on the financial performance of manufacturing companies.
Capital and Crime–Corruption Nexus in the Shadow of the Law: A Theoretical Analysis of Public Policy
Authors: Khan Rohan Kanti , Mahata Sushobhan , Nag Ranjanendra Narayan
Published: October 2022

Corruption is a symptom of wider political dynamics intertwined with sectors prone to criminal activities. This arises due to the laxity of legal enforcement or a dysfunctional political system. This paper analytically demonstrates the nexus between organized crime and corruption in the presence of the public sector. The relevant questions at this juncture are: (i) How does capital investment in the industrial sectors affect the crime–corruption nexus? (ii) Why a more stringent law-and-order enforcement may produce counterproductive outcomes? and (iii) Whether the creation of alternative income opportunities in the legally approved sectors by the government will lower corruption and decriminalize society? What we will try to show is that when corruption becomes necessary to sustain the criminal sector, capital expansion and deterrence policy augment crime and corruption. This crucially depends on a multitude of general equilibrium factors including the labor relocation effect, capital relocation effect, and factor intensity of sectors.
LSTM approach for condition assessment of suspension bridges based on time-series deflection and temperature data
Authors: Wang Chengwei , Ansari Farhad , Wu Bo , Li Shuangjiang , Morgese Maurizio , Zhou Jianting
Published: October 2022

Deflection data provides important information about the mechanical characteristics and structural health condition of bridges. The study presented here pertains to development of a deep learning based approach for structural health monitoring by employing the bridge deflections. The method presented herein uses the long short-term memory (LSTM) framework in detecting the state of damage by tracking the feature changes of time-series deflection and temperature data. Deflection and temperature data of Chongqing Egongyan Rail Transit Suspension Bridge was employed over a period of 15 months to develop the proposed method. The concept of square error index (SE) is introduced as an assessment tool for estimation of the bridge damage level. Results from the present study indicated that the statistical characteristics of SE index are proportional to the level of damage, and are only sensitive to abnormal changes in deflection. Structural health monitoring data over the period of 15 months indicated that the proposed approach has the capability to detect cable damages as low as 0.5%.
Predicting airtightness using differential pressure in actual climate conditions: Theory and implementation
Authors: Park Seunghwan , Park Sowoo , Yoon Sungmin , Song Doosam
Published: October 2022

This study proposes a new method for predicting the airtightness of a building envelope by using pressure differences that naturally occur in high-rise buildings. The background and principle of the proposed method, which uses the relationship between pressure difference and airflow, are described. The proposed method was validated by applying it to a 42-storey residential building. The differential pressure generated in the building under actual climatic conditions was measured twice during the winter season. Based on the measured pressure difference data, the airtightness of the building envelope was predicted, and those predicted values were compared with detailed measurements taken using the blower door test method. The results show that the difference between the predicted and directly measured airtightness of the building envelope for the upper floors (36th and 42nd floors), where the differential pressure was relatively large, did not differ significantly. Where the differential pressure across a building component formed by the indoor/outdoor temperature difference, the building height, and the distance from the neutral plane of the analyzed building was more than 50 Pa, the results predicted using the method proposed in this study were valid.
Longing for the West: The literary utopia of consumption in communist Romania
Authors: Poenariu Senida
Published: October 2022

The main focus of this study develops around the symbolic potential of consumption as a social phenomenon and its multiple spheres of social manifestation. Given that the literature insists upon the implications of consumption upon individual and social identity construction, this analysis lays emphasis on the influences of a certain type of consumption, strictly determined by the political regime, in a given socio-political space and well-defined time-frame—communist Romania—on the citizens’ political, cultural, and even on literary identity. I have come to identify a type of “subversive consumption” which is shaped as a declaration of adhesion to the free Western world and, implicitly, as a rejection of state ideology. This strategy of revendicating another political, social and cultural descendance through consumption also manifests itself in the literary works of the poets of the so-called ‘80ist Literary Movement. Given communist poverty and all sorts of interdictions, certain imported goods, as well as certain cultural products, gained a deeply subversive value that was later taken up and transformed into “intentional communication” (Hebdige) and manifesto by the young poets.