bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follicular‐Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing Hormone, and Prolactin Serum Level in Patients with Oral Lichen Planus in Comparison to Healthy Population
Authors: Lavaee Fatemeh , Bazrafkan Nazila , Zarei Fateme , Sardo Maryam Shahrokhi
Published: October 2021

Aim and Background. Autoimmune diseases are more common in women; also, some relations have been reported between some sexual hormones and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate any possible relation of FSH, LH, and prolactin level and oral lichen planus (OLP). Materials and Methods. In this cross‐sectional case control study, the serum level of LH, FSH, and prolactin of 40 women with lichen planus who have been referred to Shiraz Dental Faculty, Oral and Maxillofacial Disease Department during 2018‐2019 has been evaluated in comparison to 40 healthy controls. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 18. Two‐way ANOVA and Mann–Whitney test were used for data analysis. Results. The mean serum level of FSH and LH was significantly higher in OLP patients while this difference was not reported for prolactin. Only FSH mean serum level was significantly higher in nonmenopausal OLP patients. The distribution of prolactin and FSH hormones’ serum level was in normal range. Conclusions. The high serum level of FSH and LH can affect OLP pathogenesis by estrogen and progesterone modulation.
Review of Active and Passive Daylighting Technologies for Sustainable Building
Authors: Onubogu Nneka Obianuju , Chong Kok-Keong , Tan Ming-Hui
Published: October 2021

According to the International Energy Agency, nearly 20% of worldwide electricity is used up by lighting. This is equal to the total electricity nuclear power generates. Thus, it is needy to explore new technologies for direct use of sunlight via integrating daylight system to the building, which is cost-saving, environment-friendly, and a green solution rather than indirect conversion of electricity to lighting even from renewable sources. In this paper, we present a review on the existing technologies of daylighting systems up to date and how they can provide lighting in a building interior via collection and distribution of sunlight. Our review is a comprehensive study to embrace both passive daylighting system with stationary design and active daylighting system equipped with sun tracking. The economic feasibility, general challenges, and prospects of daylighting systems are also discussed to understand the existing problems that hinder the extensive deployment of daylighting systems. In conclusion, more research works are needed in improving the technological development of a daylighting system so that it is more affordable, environment-friendly, less energy-intensive, and easy to install and gives uniform illumination for the effective application in both commercial building and residential houses.
Discovery and Validation of an Epithelial‐Mesenchymal Transition‐Based Signature in Gastric Cancer by Genomics and Prognosis Analysis
Authors: Xu Huiyong , Wan Huilai , Zhu Maoshu , Feng Lianghua , Zhang Hui , Su Fengbing
Published: October 2021

Objective. Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) exerts a key function in cancer initiation and progression. Herein, we aimed to develop an EMT‐based prognostic signature in gastric cancer. Methods. The gene expression profiles of gastric cancer were obtained from TCGA dataset as a training set and GSE66229 and GSE84437 datasets as validation sets. By LASSO regression and Cox regression analyses, key prognostic EMT‐related genes were screened for developing a risk score (RS) model. Potential small molecular compounds were predicted by the CMap database based on the RS model. GSEA was employed to explore signaling pathways associated with the RS. ESTIMATE and seven algorithms (TIMER, CIBERSORT, CIBERSORT‐ABS, QUANTISEQ, MCPCOUNTER, XCELL, and EPIC) were applied to assess the RS and immune microenvironment. Results. This study developed an EMT‐related gene signature comprised of SERPINE1, PCOLCE2, MATN3, and DKK1. High‐RS patients displayed poorer survival outcomes than those with low RS. ROC curves demonstrated the robustness of the model in predicting the prognosis. After external validation, the RS model was an independent risk factor for gastric cancer. Several compounds were predicted for gastric cancer treatment based on the RS model. ECM receptor interaction, focal adhesion, pathway in cancer, TGF‐beta, and WNT pathways were distinctly activated in high‐RS samples. Also, high RS was significantly associated with increased stromal and immune scores and increased infiltration of CD4+ T cell, CD8+ T cell, cancer‐associated fibroblast, and macrophage in gastric cancer tissues. Conclusion. Our findings suggested that the EMT‐related gene model may robustly predict gastric cancer prognosis, which could improve the efficacy of personalized therapy.
Forms and Dynamics of Soil Potassium in Acid Soil in the Wolaita Zone of Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Kassa Mesfin , Kebede Fassil , Haile Wassie
Published: October 2021

Quantity-intensity (Q/I) characteristics are among conventional approaches for studying potassium dynamics and its availability. This was assessed to determine availability in four districts: namely, Sodo Zuria, Damot Gale, Damot Sore, and Boloso Sore, at three different land use systems (enset-coffee, crop land, and grazing land). Fractionation and dynamics of K sources were studied in soil samples, which were collected from 0–20 cm depth of each land system. The study revealed that water extractable K (H2O-K) concentrations ranged from 0.13 to 0.34 cmolc kg−1 soils at enset-coffee and grazing land use systems, respectively, and had a mean value of 0.28 cmolc kg−1 soils ammonium acetate extractable (NH4OAC-K) and nitric acid extract (HNO3-K) had a mean value of 0.25 cmolc kg−1 soils. In this study, the means of nonexchangeable- and exchangeable-K concentrations were of 0.11 and 0.14 cmolc kg−1 soils for land use types. Significant correlations were found between soil properties and Q/I parameters and among equilibrium solution parameters and Q/I parameters. There was no significant variation among the mean quantity values of the soils. The soils had higher change in exchangeable-K and potential buffering capacity than the enset-coffee land use soils, and the cop land had the highest values for these parameters. However, the enset-coffee land use soils had higher K-intensity. Therefore, application of site specific soil fertility management practices and research can improve soil K status and Q/I parameters to sustain productivity soils.
Deep Learning-Based Self-Efficacy X-Ray Images in the Evaluation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Combined with Osteoporosis Nursing
Authors: Geng Yaqin , Liu Ting , Ding Yu , Liu Wei , Ye Jiayi , Hu Linlin , Ruan Li
Published: October 2021

To explore the application of self-efficacy in X-ray image analysis based on deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) in the care and treatment of osteoporosis patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In this study, 90 patients with osteoporosis were divided into the control group and the experimental group for DCNN combined with X-ray diagnosis. Patients in the control group were given routine nursing care, and those in the experimental group were given comprehensive nursing care. The bone mineral content, self-efficacy, anxiety, and depression in the femur and lumbar spine after care were compared. The results showed that the accuracy, sensitivity, and false-negative rate of X-ray image recognition of osteoporosis based on DCNN were 91%, 98%, and 2%, respectively. The bone mineral contents of femur and lumbar vertebra in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). The anxiety, depression, and self-efficacy scores of patients in the experimental group were significantly higher than those in the control group (

P
<
0.05

). In conclusion, the accuracy rate of DCNN combined with X-ray plain film imaging in the detection of osteoporosis is high. Comprehensive nursing intervention can improve the curative effect and self-efficacy of patients. The improvement of self-efficacy is a related factor for the improvement of patients’ negative emotions and quality of life.
Circ0008399 Interaction with WTAP Promotes Assembly and Activity of the m6A Methyltransferase Complex and Promotes Cisplatin Resistance in Bladder Cancer
Authors: Wei Wenjie , Sun Jiayin , Zhang Hui , Xiao Xingyuan , Huang Chao , Wang Liang , Zhong He , Jiang Yangkai , Zhang Xiaoping , Jiang Guosong
Published: October 2021

Cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapy is the first-line treatment for muscle-invasive and metastatic bladder cancer, yet most patients rapidly develop resistance. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is a pervasive RNA modification, and its specific role and potential mechanism in the regulation of CDDP chemosensitivity in bladder cancer remain unclear. Furthermore, studies have not yet fully elucidated whether circular RNA (circRNA) can directly regulate m6A modification of mRNA. Here we report upregulation of a novel circRNA, hsa_circ_0008399 (circ0008399), by eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) in bladder cancer tissues and cell lines. Functionally, circ0008399 inhibited apoptosis of bladder cancer cells. Mechanistically, circ0008399 bound Wilms' tumor 1–associating protein (WTAP) to promote formation of the WTAP/METTL3/METTL14 m6A methyltransferase complex. Circ0008399 increased expression of TNF alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3) by increasing its mRNA stability in an m6A-dependent manner. In patients with bladder cancer, high expression of circ0008399 and WTAP was associated with poor outcomes. Importantly, activation of the circ0008399/WTAP/TNFAIP3 pathway decreased bladder cancer chemosensitivity to CDDP, and targeting the circ0008399/WTAP/TNFAIP3 axis enhanced the CDDP efficacy. Collectively, these findings give novel insights into circRNA-mediated regulation of m6A modifications and provide potential therapeutic targets for bladder cancer.

Significance:

A newly characterized circRNA circ0008399 binds WTAP to modulate expression of target RNA through m6A modification and reduce cisplatin sensitivity in bladder cancer, implicating the potential therapeutic value of targeting this axis.
Clinically Tractable Outcome Prediction of Non-WNT/Non-SHH Medulloblastoma Based on TPD52 IHC in a Multicohort Study
Authors: Delaidelli Alberto , Dunham Christopher , Santi Mariarita , Negri Gian Luca , Triscott Joanna , Zheludkova Olga , Golanov Andrey , Ryzhova Marina , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Schrimpf Daniel , Stichel Damian , Ellison David W. , von Deimling Andreas , Kool Marcel , Pfister Stefan M. , Ramaswamy Vijay , Korshunov Andrey , Taylor Michael D. , Sorensen Poul H.
Published: October 2021

Purpose:

International consensus and the 2021 WHO classification recognize eight molecular subgroups among non-WNT/non-SHH (Group 3/4) medulloblastoma, representing approximately 60% of tumors. However, very few clinical centers worldwide possess the technical capabilities to determine DNA methylation profiles or other molecular parameters of high risk for group 3/4 tumors. As a result, biomarker-driven risk stratification and therapy assignment constitutes a major challenge in medulloblastoma research. Here, we identify an IHC marker as a clinically tractable method for improved medulloblastoma risk stratification.

Experimental Design:

We bioinformatically analyzed published medulloblastoma transcriptomes and proteomes identifying as a potential biomarker TPD52, whose IHC prognostic value was validated across three group 3/4 medulloblastoma clinical cohorts (n = 387) treated with conventional therapies.

Results:

TPD52 IHC positivity represented a significant independent predictor of early relapse and death for group 3/4 medulloblastoma [HRs between 3.67 and 26.7; 95% confidence interval (CI) between 1.00 and 706.23; P = 0.05, 0.017, and 0.0058]. Cross-validated survival models incorporating TPD52 IHC with clinical features outperformed existing state-of-the-art risk stratification schemes, and reclassified approximately 50% of patients into more appropriate risk categories. Finally, TPD52 immunopositivity was a predictive indicator of poor response to chemotherapy [HR, 12.66; 95% CI, 3.53–45.40; P < 0.0001], suggesting important implication for therapeutic choices.

Conclusions:

This study redefines the approach to risk stratification in group 3/4 medulloblastoma in global practice. Because integration of TPD52 IHC in classification algorithms significantly improved outcome prediction, this test could be rapidly adopted for risk stratification on a global scale, independently of advanced but technically challenging molecular profiling techniques.
Progression of Aortic Calcification in Stage 4–5 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Transitioning to Dialysis and Transplantation
Authors: Lankinen Roosa , Hakamäki Markus , Hellman Tapio , Koivuviita Niina S. , Metsärinne Kaj , Järvisalo Mikko J.
Published: October 2021

Background and Aims: Abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients and associated with increased mortality. Comparative data on the AAC score progression in CKD patients transitioning from conservative treatment to different modalities of renal replacement therapy (RRT) are lacking and were examined. Methods: 150 study patients underwent lateral lumbar radiograph to study AAC in the beginning of the study before commencing RRT (AAC1) and at 3 years of follow-up (AAC2). We examined the associations between repeated laboratory tests taken every 3 months, echocardiographic and clinical variables and AAC increment per year (ΔAAC), and the association between ΔAAC and outcomes during follow-up. Results: At the time of AAC2 measurement, 39 patients were on hemodialysis, 39 on peritoneal dialysis, 39 had a transplant, and 33 were on conservative treatment. Median AAC1 was 4.8 (0.5–9.0) and median AAC2 8.0 (1.5–12.0) (p < 0.0001). ΔAAC was similar across the treatment groups (p = 0.19). ΔAAC was independently associated with mean left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (log LVMI: β = 0.97, p = 0.02) and mean phosphorus through follow-up (log phosphorus: β = 1.19, p = 0.02) in the multivariable model. Time to transplantation was associated with ΔAAC in transplant recipients (per month on the waiting list: β = 0.04, p = 0.001). ΔAAC was associated with mortality (HR 1.427, 95% confidence interval 1.044–1.950, p = 0.03). Conclusion: AAC progresses rapidly in patients with CKD, and ΔAAC is similar across the CKD treatment groups including transplant recipients. The increment rate is associated with mortality and in transplant recipients with the time on the transplant waiting list.
Optimal Treatment for Patients with Oligometastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Cetin Bulent , Wabl Chiara A. , Gumusay Ozge
Published: October 2021

Oligometastatic prostate cancer (PCa) can be defined as cancer with a limited number of metastases, typically fewer than 5 lesions, and involves lesions contained within the axial versus the appendicular skeleton. Patients can present with de novo oligometastatic, oligorecurrent, or oligoprogressive PCa. Oligometastatic PCa patients demonstrate considerable improvements in survival outcomes, with a better prognosis than patients with extensive metastatic disease. However, the management of patients that present with nonsymptomatic oligometastatic PCa remains difficult. In the oligometastatic setting, the benefit of local therapies such as prostatectomy and radiotherapy on survival outcomes is an intriguing topic; however, their impact on oncological outcomes is still unknown.
Vegetable Preference and Prediction of Proteinuria: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ozaki Shingo , Yamamoto Ryohei , Shinzawa Maki , Tomi Ryohei , Yoshimura Ryuichi , Nakanishi Kaori , Nishida Makoto , Nagatomo Izumi , Kudo Takashi , Yamauchi-Takihara Keiko , Isaka Yoshitaka , Moriyama Toshiki
Published: October 2021

Introduction: Little information is available about the association between vegetable preference and chronic kidney disease. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 10,819 university workers in Japan who underwent their annual health checkups between January 2005 and March 2013. According to a question “Do you like vegetables”? with 3 possible answers of “I like vegetables,” “I like vegetables somewhat,” or “I dislike vegetables,” 2,831, 2,249, and 104 male workers and 3,902, 1,648, and 85 female workers were classified into the “like,” “somewhat,” and “dislike” groups, respectively. An association between vegetable preference and incidence of proteinuria (dipstick urinary protein ≥1+) was assessed using Cox proportional-hazards models adjusted for clinically relevant factors. Results: During the median observational period of 5.0 years, the incidence of proteinuria was observed in 650 (12.7%) male and 789 (14.1%) female workers. Among male workers, the “dislike” group had a significantly higher risk of proteinuria (multivariable-adjusted hazard ratio of “like,” “somewhat,” and “dislike” groups: 1.00 [reference], 1.05 [0.90–1.23], and 1.59 [1.01–2.50], respectively). Among female workers, vegetable preference was associated with the incidence of proteinuria in a dose-dependent manner (1.00 [reference], 1.20 [1.04–1.40], 1.95 [1.26–3.02], respectively). Conclusion: “Do you like vegetables”? was a clinically useful tool to identify subjects vulnerable to proteinuria.
A performance evaluation of convolutional neural network architecture for classification of rice leaf disease
Authors: Julianto Afis , Sunyoto Andi
Published: October 2021

Plant disease is a challenge in the agricultural sector, especially for rice production. Identifying diseases in rice leaves is the first step to wipe out and treat diseases to reduce crop failure. With the rapid development of the convolutional neural network (CNN), rice leaf disease can be recognized well without the help of an expert. In this research, the performance evaluation of CNN architecture will be carried out to analyze the classification of rice leaf disease images by classifying 5932 image data which are divided into 4 disease classes. The comparison of training data, validation, and testing are 60:20:20. Adam optimization with a learning rate of 0.0009 and softmax activation was used in this study. From the experimental results, the InceptionV3 and InceptionResnetV2 architectures got the best accuracy, namely 100%, ResNet50 and DenseNet201 got 99.83%, MobileNet 99.33%, and EfficientNetB3 90.14% accuracy.
Deep learning techniques for physical abuse detection
Authors: S Srividya M. , R Anala M , Tayal Chetan
Published: October 2021

Physical abuse has become a societal problem. Mostly children, women and old age people are vulnerable to it especially in cases of domestic violence or workplace aggression. Reporting it is in itself a challenge especially if there is a pre-existing relationship between the abuser and victim. In this paper we propose a deep learning technique for human action recognition and human pose identification to tackle physical abuse by detecting it in real time. 3D convolution neural network (CNN) architecture is built using 3D convolution feature extractors which extract both temporal and spatial data in the video. With multiple convolution layer and subsampling layer, the input video has been converted into feature vector. Human pose estimation is done using the detection of key points on the body. Using these points and tracking them from one frame to another gives spatial-temporal features to feed into neural network (NN). We present metrics to measure the accuracies of such systems where real time reporting and fault tolerance capabilities are of utmost importance. Weighted metrics shows accuracy of about 89.42% with precision of about 85.82% and thus shows the effectiveness of the system.
Biogeography in optimization algorithms: a closer look
Authors: Palai Padarabinda , Mishra Debani Prasad , Salkuti Surender Reddy
Published: October 2021

Biogeography can be broken down into bio and geography, which would imply the geography, i.e., the dispersion of biological organisms. The entire field of biology inspired algorithm is inclined towards providing the most optimal solution for a given problem set. Computer science experts want to always learn from the surroundings. Nature is sporadic and spontaneous and the erratic nature of a habitat is the very differentiating factor between a real world and an ideal world problem. Things change and that nothing remains constant. The diversification of a certain habitat is bound to change through external influences, some for the better, and some for the worse. This paper tries to mimic the natural influences in a habitat in a python environment and try to come up with a minimal objective value after iterating through the given metaheuristic algorithm.
Assessing naive Bayes and support vector machine performance in sentiment classification on a big data platform
Authors: Karsi Redouane , Zaim Mounia , El Alami Jamila
Published: October 2021

Nowadays, mining user reviews becomes a very useful mean for decision making in several areas. Traditionally, machine learning algorithms have been widely and effectively used to analyze user’s opinions on a limited volume of data. In the case of massive data, powerful hardware resources (CPU, memory, and storage) are essential for dealing with the whole data processing phases including, collection, pre-processing, and learning in an optimal time. Several big data technologies have emerged to efficiently process massive data, like Apache Spark, which is a distributed framework for data processing that provides libraries implementing several machine learning algorithms. In order to evaluate the performance of Apache Spark's machine learning library (MLlib) on a large volume of data, classification accuracies and processing time of two machine learning algorithms implemented in spark: naive Bayes and support vector machine (SVM) are compared to the performance achieved by the standard implementation of these two algorithms on large different size datasets built from movie reviews. The results of our experiment show that the performance of classifiers running under spark is higher than traditional ones and reaches F-measure greater than 84%. At the same time, we found that under spark framework, the learning time is relatively low.
On the pteridophytes of Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, India
Authors: Pranjal Borah  , Barukial Jayanta
Published: October 2021

A preliminary survey on the pteridophytic flora of Bherjan-Borajan-Padumoni Wildlife Sanctuary of Assam, India revealed a total of 33 species belonging to 23 genera and 15 families. Most of the species belong to the family Pteridaceae followed by Polypodiaceae and Thelypteridaceae. A brief taxonomic description of each species is provided. Stenochlaena palustris (Burm.f.) Bedd., an edible fern, grows abundantly all over, especially in the openings and clearings.
Habitat use and conservation threats to Wild Water Buffalo Bubalus arnee (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve, Nepal
Authors: Khulal Reeta , Neupane Bijaya , Dhami Bijaya , Regmi Siddhartha , Tiwari Ganesh Prasad , Parajuli Manita
Published: October 2021

Wild Water Buffalo (WWB) Bubalus arnee is an endangered species and a protected animal in Nepal. The remaining WWB population is located in Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve (KTWR), and it appears to have low viability under prevailing conditions. We assessed the habitat use and conservation threats to wild water buffalo in KTWR. For habitat analysis the quadrant method was used. Eighty-four quadrants of 25 m2 for trees, 168 quadrants of 10m2 for shrubs and 336 quadrants of 1 m2 for herbs were laid out in the study area. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) was calculated to assess the use of different habitat components. The important Value Index (IVI) was used for vegetation assessment. A relative threat ranking method was used to assess conservation threats for wild buffalo and their habitats. Wild buffalo mostly preferred habitats with distance to water resources less than 500 m (IV= 0.4), less than 25 % crown coverage (IV= 0.39) and more than 75 % ground coverage (IV= 0.42). The trees species Phyllanthus emblica, Acacia catechu, shrub species Mimosa pudica and the herb species Brachiaria distachya, Vetiveria zizanioides, Imperata cylindrica, and Saccharum spontaneum were preferred by WWB in the study area. Among the different plant categories, we found that Acacia catechu was the most preferred tree species (IVI= 156.95), Mimosa pudica the most preferred shrub species (IVI= 58.68), and Imperata cylindrica the most preferred herb species (IVI= 64.73). Major conservation threats perceived by local stakeholders for wild buffaloes were overgrazing by cattle and genetic swamping through crossbreeding with domestic buffalo. Therefore, conservation of grass species through control of grazing, and prevention of cross breeding are measures supported by this study. Additionally, site-specific conservation strategies should be adopted, based on identified threats in the study area.
Disruption of large-scale electrophysiological networks in stroke patients with visuospatial neglect
Authors: Ros Tomas , Michela Abele , Mayer Anaïs , Bellmann Anne , Vuadens Philippe , Zermatten Victorine , Saj Arnaud , Vuilleumier Patrik
Published: October 2021

Stroke frequently produces attentional dysfunctions including symptoms of hemispatial neglect, which is characterized by a breakdown of awareness for the contralesional hemispace. Recent studies with functional MRI (fMRI) suggest that hemineglect patients display abnormal intra- and interhemispheric functional connectivity. However, since stroke is a vascular disorder and fMRI signals remain sensitive to nonneuronal (i.e., vascular) coupling, more direct demonstrations of neural network dysfunction in hemispatial neglect are warranted. Here, we utilize electroencephalogram (EEG) source imaging to uncover differences in resting-state network organization between patients with right hemispheric stroke (N = 15) and age-matched, healthy controls (N = 27), and determine the relationship between hemineglect symptoms and brain network organization. We estimated intra- and interregional differences in cortical communication by calculating the spectral power and amplitude envelope correlations of narrow-band EEG oscillations. We first observed focal frequency-slowing within the right posterior cortical regions, reflected in relative delta/theta power increases and alpha/beta/gamma decreases. Secondly, nodes within the right temporal and parietal cortex consistently displayed anomalous intra- and interhemispheric coupling, stronger in delta and gamma bands, and weaker in theta, alpha, and beta bands. Finally, a significant association was observed between the severity of left-hemispace search deficits (e.g., cancellation test omissions) and reduced functional connectivity within the alpha and beta bands. In sum, our novel results validate the hypothesis of large-scale cortical network disruption following stroke and reinforce the proposal that abnormal brain oscillations may be intimately involved in the pathophysiology of visuospatial neglect.
Encounters with an Anthropologist
Authors: González Roberto J.
Published: October 2021

This article explores three elements of Laura Nader’s work through an ethnographic description and analysis of the author’s encounters with her over a thirty-year period. It reflects upon aspects of her ethnographic, political, and ethical commitments, how these elements manifest themselves in her written work, and how they have influenced the projects and careers of her students and colleagues over the past six decades. The piece concludes with an annotated list of aphorisms that have provided counsel, guidance, and inspiration to many anthropologists during the course of her career.
The Impact of Specific Knowledge on Death Penalty Opposition: An Empirical Test of the Marshall Hypothesis
Authors: Harmon Talia Roitberg , Falco Diana L. , Taylor David
Published: October 2021

As we approach the 50-year anniversary of the landmark Furman decision, the time is ripe for a renewed empirical test of the hypotheses Justice Marshall presented in his concurring opinion. Most relevant to this study, he suggested in his second proposition that “people who were fully informed as to the purposes of the penalty and its liabilities would find the penalty, shocking, unjust and unacceptable.” While there has been much empirical testing of this hypothesis, the intent of this study is to add to the existing literature by examining whether specific types of information about capital punishment is associated with opposition to capital punishment. Data were collected by an instructor who taught death penalty classes ( n = 122 subjects) to test this hypothesis. Results provide qualified support for Marshall’s second hypothesis that knowledge is significantly related to an increase in death penalty opposition. Moreover, the following factors were significant predictors of overall change in participants’ opinion: cost, deterrence, race of victim, and evolving societies. Surprisingly, the innocence items did not appear statistically significant in altering opinions. Future research should continue to explore further aspects of the Marshall hypothesis such as the effect of different methods of information delivery.
Exploring the Impact of School Factors on Expectations to Complete Post Secondary Education Among Black Girls
Authors: Kalu Sandra R.
Published: October 2021

Obtaining a college degree can enhance many aspects of one’s life including health outcomes and lifetime earnings. Given the racial opportunity gap that remains prevalent in the education system, and the gendered racial biases held against Black girls and women, they face many obstacles on their path to higher education. Considering the relationship between higher education and financial status, when these obstacles hinder their academic success Black women face serious economic issues that adversely impacts their livelihood and the wellbeing of their families. Still, there remains limited investigation into the indicators of college completion among this population. Assessing indicators related to college completion during their high school years can support educators in recognizing and monitoring students who require extra support early in their academic careers. This study uses an intersectional lens to investigate whether various school factors predict intent to complete college among this sample of Black high school girls ( N = 1,811). Findings show that teacher bias, school discipline, and school resources are significant predictors of college expectations among this sample.
Crisis Response Framework and Public Policy Response
Authors: Singh Shyamli
Published: October 2021

Covid-19 brought an unprecedented and challenging time all over the globe. With the unpreparedness and lack of awareness regarding the global pandemic, it soon became an international concern. From loss of lives to loss of livelihood, the pandemic had a huge impact on global citizens and various nation-states. Unlike any other crisis, Covid-19 too pushed the government and its people to restructure and reform their framework, especially in the face of such an unprecedentedly adverse situation. This article highlights the need of a crisis response framework and formulation of agile public policy during such a global catastrophe. Taking the novel coronavirus as the epicentre demanding a rapid response formulation of Government of India, the article delineates upon strategic intervention of the government towards Covid-19 and the need of a crisis response framework for the future.
Liveability of Indian Cities and Spread of Covid-19-- Case of Tier-1 Cities
Authors: Lata Kusum , Thapa Kamakshi , Rajput Aman Singh
Published: October 2021

Cities are widely considered to be the engines of economic growth, as they contribute for more than 70% of global economy. However, the haphazard urbanisation trends are today resulting in widespread problems of urban sprawl, pollution, housing, crime and disaster and so on. While India is one of the least urbanised large developing countries of the world, the country is witnessing rapid urbanisation (projected to add 404 million of urban population by 2050). However, the associated problems are impacting the liveability of the cities in India. In light of that, this study aims to evaluate the liveability of Tier-1 cities of India. In reference to the existing literature, eleven key indicators have been identified for the evaluation of liveability. For the ease of analysis, these indicators are broadly clustered under five categories, that is, health, environment, transport, geography and socio-economy. The correlation analysis between the indicators and the number of Covid-19 cases in selected cities of India reveal a significant relationship between the individual categories such as ‘quality of life’ and ‘health index’.
Governance and Economic Impact of Covid-19 in Indian Federation
Authors: Alok V. N. , Jatoliya Madhulika , Pareek Animesh
Published: October 2021

In the year 2019–2020, Indian economy was already on its trough and the incidence of coronavirus pandemic in 2020–2021 has further deteriorated the economic condition, limiting the fiscal space of the government. As need of the hour was to take some supportive measures to handle such an unusual situation, therefore various monetary and fiscal measures were taken by the government to overcome the impact of the pandemic. This resulted in overshooting of the fiscal deficit target set under the Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act (2003) and made the government to revise its fiscal deficit target of 3.5% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2020–2021 Budget Estimates (BE) and 9.5% in 2020–2021 Revised Estimates (RE), and further it is projected as 6.8% of GDP for 2021–2022 (BE). After an estimated 7.7% pandemic-driven contraction in 2020–2021, India’s real GDP is projected to record growth of 11.0% in 2021–2022 and nominal GDP by 15.4%. The government is expected to generate 23% more revenue and has budgeted to increase its spending by only 0.95% in FY22 as compared to FY21 (RE). In order to deal with pandemic situation, the economists have suggested more active, counter-cyclical fiscal policy to enable growth during economic downturn. However, due to lack of revenue sources, it also becomes important to strategise the path for fiscal consolidation for the ensuing years.
Reliability-based design optimization of 3D orthogonal woven composite automobile shock tower
Authors: Liu Zhao , Zhang Lei , Zhu Ping , Li Mushi
Published: October 2021

Three-dimensional orthogonal woven composites are noted for their excellent mechanical properties and delamination resistance, so they are expected to have promising prospects in lightweight applications in the automobile industry. The multi-scale characteristics and inherent uncertainty of design variables pose great challenges to the optimization procedure for 3D orthogonal woven composite structures. This paper aims to propose a reliability-based design optimization method for guidance on the lightweight design of 3D orthogonal woven composite automobile shock tower, which includes design variables from material and structure. An analytical model was firstly set up to accurately predict the elastic and strength properties of composites. After that, a novel optimization procedure was established for the multi-scale reliability optimization design of composite shock tower, based on the combination of Monte Carlo reliability analysis method, Kriging surrogate model, and particle swarm optimization algorithm. According to the results, the optimized shock tower meets the requirements of structural performance and reliability, with a weight reduction of 37.83%.
Oil Price Shocks and Conflict Escalation: Onshore versus Offshore
Authors: Andersen Jørgen Juel , Nordvik Frode Martin , Tesei Andrea
Published: October 2021

We reconsider the relationship between oil and conflict, focusing on the location of oil resources. In a panel of 132 countries over the period 1962-2009, we show that oil windfalls escalate conflict in onshore-rich countries, while they de-escalate conflict in offshore-rich countries. We use a model to illustrate how these opposite effects can be explained by a fighting capacity mechanism, whereby the government can use offshore oil income to increase its fighting capacity, while onshore oil may be looted by oppositional groups to finance a rebellion. We provide empirical evidence supporting this interpretation: we find that oil price windfalls increase both the number and strength of active rebel groups in onshore-rich countries, while they strengthen the government in offshore-rich ones.
Bayesian Consumer Profiling: How to Estimate Consumer Characteristics from Aggregate Data
Authors: De Bruyn Arnaud , Otter Thomas
Published: October 2021

Firms use aggregate data from data brokers (e.g., Acxiom, Experian) and external data sources (e.g., Census) to infer the likely characteristics of consumers in a target list and thus better predict consumers’ profiles and needs unobtrusively. The authors demonstrate that the simple count method most commonly used in this effort relies implicitly on an assumption of conditional independence that fails to hold in many settings of managerial interest. They develop a Bayesian profiling introducing different conditional independence assumptions. They also show how to introduce additional observed covariates into this model. They use simulations to demonstrate that in managerially relevant settings, the Bayesian method will outperform the simple count method, often by an order of magnitude. The authors then compare different conditional independence assumptions in two case studies. The first example estimates customers’ age on the basis of their first names; prediction errors decrease substantially. In the second example, the authors infer the income, occupation, and education of online visitors of a marketing analytic software company based exclusively on their IP addresses. The face validity of the predictions improves dramatically and reveals an interesting (and more complex) endogenous list-selection mechanism than the one suggested by the simple count method.
Composing Music in Special Education
Authors: Clipper Julia , Lee Keishel X.
Published: October 2021

Composition is an important and creative part of any child’s music education, yet many music educators feel unprepared to teach composition to students with special needs. This article explores the value of incorporating music composition in a special education classroom and outlines two compositional lessons based on creating a musical scenery. The first lesson took place in a classroom with seven students, ages six to twenty-three, and the follow-up lesson involved fourteen students, ages four to twenty-three, all possessing a wide range of ability levels. By encouraging students to collaborate and freely compose, teachers can guide students with special needs beyond playing precomposed music and into creative thinking and building an overall sense of confidence, community, and musicianship.
Trans Voices Speak: Suggestions from Trans Educators about Working with Trans Students
Authors: Cayari Christopher , Graham Felix A. , Jampole Emma Joy , O’Leary Jared
Published: October 2021

The social climate in the past decade has seen a rise in visibility of trans students in music classrooms and ensembles, leading to a need for scholarship on how to serve this growing population. Literature is being published to address this topic; however, the lack of scholarship by trans educators might lead many music educators to conclusions and practices that can be, at the very least, discouraging to some trans students and may disrupt their learning experiences. This article was written by four educators who identify as part of the trans community (a genderfluid and gender-nonconforming individual, a trans man, a trans woman, and a gender-nonbinary person) to fill this gap in the literature by illuminating some of the pitfalls inherent in the lack of discussion on (and by) trans people in music education. In addition, this article provides five actionable suggestions for working with trans students: (1) Learn about the trans community, (2) inspect your language and biases, (3) represent the diversity of trans people in your teaching, (4) promote healthy music-making and identity development, and (5) model allyship.
Governing public health emergencies during the coronavirus disease outbreak: Lessons from four Chinese cities in the first wave
Authors: Li Lingyue , Zhang Surong , Wang Jinfeng , Yang Xiaoming , Wang Lan
Published: October 2021

The ongoing coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has had a far-reaching impact on urban living, prompting emergency preparedness and response from public health governance at multiple levels. The Chinese government has adopted a series of policy measures to control infectious disease, for which cities are the key spatial units. This research traces and reports analyses of those policy measures and their evolution in four Chinese cities: Zhengzhou, Hangzhou, Shanghai and Chengdu. The theoretical framework stems from conceptualisations of urban governance and its role in public health emergencies, wherein crisis management and emergency response are highlighted. In all four cities, the trend curves of cumulative diagnosed cases, critical policies launched in key time nodes and local governance approaches in the first wave were identified and compared. The findings suggest that capable local leadership is indispensable for controlling the coronavirus epidemic, yet local governments’ approaches are varied, contributing to dissimilar local epidemic control policy pathways and positive outcomes in the fight against COVID-19. The effectiveness of disease control is determined by how local governments’ measures have adapted to geospatial and socioeconomic heterogeneity. The coordinated actions from central to local governments also reveal an efficient, top-down command transmission and execution system for coping with the pandemic. This article argues that effective control of pandemics requires both a holistic package of governance strategies and locally adaptive governance measures/processes, and concludes with proposals for both a more effective response at the local level and identification of barriers to achieving these responses within diverse subnational institutional contexts.
Does Policy Influence Hollow Out Public Managers’ Political Neutrality?
Authors: Åström Joachim , Olsson Jan , Hysing Erik
Published: October 2021

Consequences of public officials’ policy influence have been at the center of debates on political–administrative relations. Based on a survey of public managers in Swedish local government ( N = 1,430), this study examines whether policy politics hollows out political neutrality. The analysis shows that although managers are highly involved in policy politics, attitudinal support for the neutrality principle is strong. The enquiry into behavioral intentions shows more variation. In relation to a set of dilemmas, most managers would defend neutral competence, but significant minorities would also act for more partisan reasons. However, we find no empirical evidence that policy influence undermines political neutrality.
Four Flu Pandemics: Lessons that Need to Be Learned
Authors: Pineo Ronn
Published: October 2021

This article explores the history of influenza, focusing on the four major flu pandemics in the last century and a half, outbreaks starting in 1889, 1918, 1957, and 1968. The article looks closely at flu etiology and the historical puzzles over which flu subtype was responsible for each major outbreak. Some mysteries regarding pandemic influenza remain, with core questions stubbornly refusing to yield answers. This article seeks to explore the history of flu in the hope that we can take away some lessons learned as we try to get ready for potential future flu pandemics.
Bedside Neck Exploration for Venous Flow Coupler Signal Loss in Postoperative Free Tissue Transfer Monitoring
Authors: Davis Kyle P. , Gardner James Reed , Dunlap Quinn A. , Vural Emre A. , Sunde Jumin , Moreno Mauricio Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Objective

To describe the role and efficacy of bedside neck exploration following free tissue transfer.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Setting

Single tertiary care institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted of 353 patients who underwent free tissue transfer between January 2017 and April 2021. Bedside exploration was performed under mild sedation in patients who had loss of venous Doppler signal with equivocal clinical signs of venous insufficiency.

Results

A total of 11 patients underwent bedside assessment of the microvascular pedicle. In 6 cases, a return to the operating room was avoided. Five of these patients had coupler malfunction, and in 1 patient a venous kink was discovered and remedied at the bedside. Five patients required return to the operating room. Venous thrombosis requiring thrombectomy and revision of the venous anastomosis was discovered in 3 patients. One patient had a developing hematoma necessitating evacuation in the operating room, and 1 returned to the operating room due to sternocleidomastoid muscular compression of the venous pedicle. There were no flap failures within the study group. In all cases, broad‐spectrum intravenous antibiotic coverage was prophylactically used, and no instances of wound infection were observed. Avoidance of returning to the operating room prevented an estimated $9222 of hospital charges per event.

Conclusion

Bedside neck exploration can be incorporated as a safe and cost‐effective intermediary for definitive determination of need for return to the operating room.
The National Cancer Database: Survival Between Head and Neck Melanoma and Melanoma of Other Regions
Authors: Cabrera Claudia I. , Li Shawn , Conic Rosalynn , Gastman Brian R.
Published: October 2021

Objective

Primary site is considered an important prognostic factor for cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM); however, opinions vary regarding its influence on survival. This study compares overall survival between head and neck melanoma (HNM) and melanoma of other regions (MOR), as well as between melanoma of the scalp and neck (MSN) and melanoma of other head regions (MOHR).

Study Design

Level III retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Patients from Commission on Cancer–accredited cancer programs affiliated to the National Cancer Database (NCDB).

Methods

Patients with HNM (MSN and MOHR included) and MOR, stages I to IV (n = 39,754), and their linked survival data using the NCDB were identified. Survival was analyzed using propensity score matching methods.

Results

After matching using propensity scores, allowing this observational study to mimic a randomized controlled trial, subjects with HNM showed a 22% increased mortality when compared to MOR (P <. 01). Among those with HNM, hazard was not proportional over time. Overall, subjects with MSN in the first 3.5 years of follow‐up (75% of subjects) showed a 15% increased mortality when compared to MOHR (P <. 01); however, after 3.5 years, no difference in survival was noted (P =. 5).

Conclusion

Patients with HNM showed a higher mortality when compared to MOR. The risk of death of primary sites within the head and neck varies over time, showing a higher risk of mortality for scalp and neck during the first 3.5 years of follow‐up. This increased risk was not evident after the 3.5‐year threshold. Further research is needed to evaluate additional patient factors or differences in treatment approaches.