bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PDoT
Authors: Nakatsuka Yoshimichi , Paverd Andrew , Tsudik Gene
Published: February 2021

Security and privacy of the Internet Domain Name System (DNS) have been longstanding concerns. Recently, there is a trend to protect DNS traffic using Transport Layer Security (TLS). However, at least two major issues remain: (1) How do clients authenticate DNS-over-TLS endpoints in a scalable and extensible manner? and (2) How can clients trust endpoints to behave as expected? In this article, we propose a novel Private DNS-over-TLS (PDoT) architecture. PDoT includes a DNS Recursive Resolver (RecRes) that operates within a Trusted Execution Environment. Using
Remote Attestation
, DNS clients can authenticate and receive strong assurance of trustworthiness of PDoT RecRes. We provide an open source proof-of-concept implementation of PDoT and experimentally demonstrate that its latency and throughput match that of the popular Unbound DNS-over-TLS resolver.
Cut-and-Mouse and Ghost Control
Authors: Genç Ziya Alper , Lenzini Gabriele , Sgandurra Daniele
Published: February 2021

To protect their digital assets from malware attacks, most users and companies rely on antivirus (AV) software. AVs’ protection is a full-time task against malware: This is similar to a
game
where malware, e.g., through obfuscation and polymorphism, denial of service attacks, and malformed packets and parameters, tries to circumvent AV defences or make them crash. However, AVs react by complementing signature-based detection with anomaly or behavioral analysis, and by using OS protection, standard code, and binary protection techniques. Further, malware counter-acts, for instance, by using adversarial inputs to avoid detection, and so on. In this cat-and-mouse game, a winning strategy is trying to anticipate the move of the adversary by looking into one’s own weaknesses, seeing how the adversary can penetrate them, and building up appropriate defences or attacks. In this article, we play the role of malware developers and anticipate two novel moves for the malware side to demonstrate the weakness in the AVs and to improve the defences in AVs’ side. The first one consists in simulating mouse events to control AVs, namely, to send them mouse “clicks” to deactivate their protection. We prove that many AVs can be disabled in this way, and we call this class of attacks
Ghost Control
. The second one consists in controlling whitelisted applications, such as Notepad, by sending them keyboard events (such as “copy-and-paste”) to perform malicious operations on behalf of the malware. We prove that the anti-ransomware protection feature of AVs can be bypassed if we use Notepad as a “puppet” to rewrite the content of protected files as a ransomware would do. Playing with the words, and recalling the cat-and-mouse game, we call this class of attacks
Cut-and-Mouse
. We tested these two attacks on 29 AVs, and the results show that 14 AVs are vulnerable to
Ghost Control
attack while all 29 AV programs tested are found vulnerable to
Cut-and-Mouse
. Furthermore, we also show some weaknesses in additional protection mechanisms of AVs, such as sandboxing and CAPTCHA verification. We have engaged with the affected AV companies, and we reported the disclosure communication with them and their responses.
Effect of Different Exercise Modalities on Oxidative Stress: A Systematic Review
Authors: Thirupathi Anand , Wang Meizi , Lin Ji Kai , Fekete Gusztáv , István Bíró , Baker Julien S. , Gu Yaodong
Published: February 2021

Exercise‐induced benefits are being increasingly recognized in promoting health and preventing diseases. However, initial adaption to exercise response can have different effects on cells, including an increase in the formation of oxidants and inflammatory mediators that ultimately leads to oxidative stress, but this scenario depends on the exercise type and intensity and training status of the individual. Therefore, we aimed to understand the effect of different types of exercise on oxidative stress. Indeed, exercise‐induced minimum oxidative stress is required for regulating signaling pathways. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) statement, a search for relevant articles was carried out on PubMed/Medline, ISI Web of Science, and Google Scholar using a broad range of synonyms such as oxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, exercise, physical training, aerobic exercise, and strength exercise until 2019. This study selected a total of 18 articles for assessing the oxidative damage using various parameters such as malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), and F1‐isoprostanes and enzymatic antioxidants. We observed that any type of exercise can increase the oxidative damage in an exercise type and intensity manner. Further, the training status of the individual and specific oxidative damage marker plays a crucial role in predicting earlier oxidative damage in the exercise condition. However, some of the studies that we included for review did not perform follow‐up evaluations. Therefore, follow‐up programs using larger numbers need to be performed to confirm our findings.
Data Mining Technology Application in False Text Information Recognition
Authors: Wan Jie , Cao Xue , Yao Kun , Yang Donghui , Peng E. , Cao Yong
Published: February 2021

False information on the Internet is being heralded as serious social harm to our society. To recognize false text information, in this paper, an effective method for mining text features is proposed in the field of false drug advertisements. Firstly, the data of false drug advertisements and real drug advertisements were collected from the official websites to build a database of false and real drug advertisements. Secondly, by performing feature extraction on the text of drug advertisements, this work built a characteristic matrix based on the effective features and assigned positive or negative labels to the feature vector of the matrix according to whether it is a fake medical advertisement or not. Thirdly, this study trained and tested several different classifiers, selected the classification model with the best performance in identifying false drug advertisements, and found the key characteristics that can determine the classification. Finally, the model with the best performance was used to predict new false drug advertisements collected from Sina Weibo. In the case of identifying false drug advertisements, the classification effect of the support vector machine (SVM) classifier established on the feature set after feature selection was the most effective. The findings of this study can provide an effective method for the government to identify and combat false advertisements. This study has a certain reference significance in demonstrating the use of text data mining technology to identify and detect information fraud behavior.
The Role of β-Catenin in Th1 Immune Response against Tuberculosis and Profiles of Expression in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Authors: Xiong Kunlong , Niu Jinxia , Zheng Ruijuan , Liu Zhonghua , Song Yanzheng , Wang Lin , Zhu Changtai , Fan Lin
Published: February 2021

β-Catenin is a key molecule of canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Its roles and expression profiles in T cells of tuberculosis (TB) remain unclear. The aim of this study was to explore the role of β-catenin in CD4+ T cells and its expression characteristics in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). In this study, CD4+ T cell-specific β-catenin conditional knockout mice (β-CAT-cKO mice) were aerosol infected with Mycobacteria tuberculosis (Mtb) H37RV with wild-type mice as controls. Four weeks after infection, the mRNA expression of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and TCF-7 in the lungs of mice was measured. CD4, CD8, β-catenin, IFN-γ, and TNF-α in mononuclear cells from the lungs and spleens were measured by flow cytometry, and the pathological changes of lungs were also observed. Patients with PTB were enrolled, with blood samples collected and PBMCs isolated. The expressions of β-catenin, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and PD-1 in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Results showed a decreased frequency of and reduced IFN-γ/TNF-α mRNA expression and secretion by CD4+ T cells in the lungs of infected β-CAT-cKO mice compared with infected wild-type controls, and only slightly more inflammatory changes were observed in the lungs. β-catenin expressions in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were significantly decreased in blood cells of patients with severe PTB compared with those in mild PTB. The stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with lithium chloride (LiCl), a stimulant of β-catenin, resulted in the increase in CD4+ T cell frequency, as well as their secretion of IFN-γ and TNF-α. β-Catenin demonstrated a moderately positive correlation with PD-1 in CD4+ T cells. β-Catenin along with PD-1 and IFN-γ in CD4+ T cells had a high correlation with those in CD8+ T cells. In conclusion, β-catenin may be involved in the regulation of Th1 response and CD4+ T cell frequency in TB.
Pelvic Pain and Adnexal Mass: Be Aware of Accessory and Cavitated Uterine Mass
Authors: Iranpour Pooya , Haseli Sara , Keshavarz Pedram , Dehghanian Amirreza , Khalili Neda
Published: February 2021

Accessory and cavitated uterine mass (ACUM) is a rare form of Mullerian anomaly that usually presents in young females with chronic cyclic pelvic pain and/or dysmenorrhea. This clinical entity is often underdiagnosed as it may be mistaken for other differential diagnoses, such as pedunculated myoma or adnexal lesions. Imaging modalities, including ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), accompanied with relevant and suspicious clinical findings are important tools in making acorrect diagnosis. To date, surgical excision of the mass remains the mainstay of treatment,which provides significant symptom relief. In this study, we present a female adolescent with chronic pelvic pain since menarche who underwent laparotomy with the presumed diagnosis of a left-sided ovarian mass. Retrospective evaluation of pelvic MR images demonstrated that the lesion was in fact an ACUM, which was further confirmed by histopathological examination.
Mortality and Attrition Rates within the First Year of Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation among People Living with HIV in Guangxi, China: An Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zhu Jinhui , Yousuf Mohammed Adnan , Yang Wenmin , Zhu Qiuying , Shen Zhiyong , Lan Guanghua , Chen Yi , Chen Huanhuan , Fan Wensheng , Xing Hui , Shao Yiming , Ruan Yuhua , Li Liming
Published: February 2021

Objective. To assess the mortality and attrition rates within the first year of antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in rural Guangxi, China. Design. Observational cohort study. Setting. The core treatment indicators and data were collected with standard and essential procedures as per the Free ART Manual guidelines across all the rural health care centers of Guangxi. Participants. 58,115 PLHIV who were under ART were included in the study. Interventions. The data collected included sociodemographic characteristics that consist of age, sex, marital status, route of HIV transmission, CD4 cell count before ART, initial ART regimen, level of ART site, and year of ART initiation. Primary and Secondary Outcome Measures. Mortality and attrition rate following ART initiation. Results. The average mortality rate was 5.94 deaths, and 17.52 attritions per 100 person‐years within the first year of ART initiation among PLHIV. The mortality rate was higher among intravenous drug users (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) 1.27, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.14‐1.43), prefecture as a level of ART site (AHR 1.14, 95% CI 1.02‐1.28), and county as the level of ART site (AHR 2.12, 95% CI 1.90‐2.37). Attrition was higher among intravenous drug users (AHR 1.87, 95% CI 1.75‐2.00), the first‐line ART containing AZT (AHR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03‐1.16), and first‐line ART containing LVP/r (AHR 1.34, 95% CI 1.23‐1.46). Conclusion. The mortality and attrition rates were both at the highest level in the first year of post‐ART; continued improvement in the quality of HIV treatment and care is needed.
An Innovative Hyperheuristic, Gaussian Clustering Scheme for Energy‐Efficient Optimization in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Aroba Oluwasegun Julius , Naicker Nalindren , Adeliyi Timothy
Published: February 2021

Energy stability on sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is always an important challenge, especially during data capturing and transmission of packets. The recent advancement in distributed clustering algorithms in the extant literature proposed for energy efficiency showed refinements in deployment of sensor nodes, network duration stability, and throughput of information data that are channelled to the base station. However, much scope still exists for energy improvements in a heterogeneous WSN environment. This research study uses the Gaussian elimination method merged with distributed energy efficient clustering (referred to as DEEC‐Gauss) to ensure energy efficient optimization in the wireless environment. The rationale behind the use of the novel DEEC‐Gauss clustering algorithm is that it fills the gap in the literature as researchers have not been able to use this scheme before to carry out energy‐efficient optimization in WSNs with 100 nodes, between 1,000 and 5000 rounds and still achieve a fast time output. In this study, using simulation, the performance of highly developed clustering algorithms, namely, DEEC, EDEEC_E, and DDEEC, was compared to the proposed Gaussian Elimination Clustering Algorithm (DEEC‐Gauss). The results show that the proposed DEEC‐Gauss Algorithm gives an average percentage of 4.2% improvement for the first node dead (FND), a further 2.8% improvement for the tenth node dead (TND), and the overall time of delivery was increased and optimized when compared with other contemporary algorithms.
Automated Segmentation Method for Low Field 3D Stomach MRI Using Transferred Learning Image Enhancement Network
Authors: Huang Luguang , Li Mengbin , Gou Shuiping , Zhang Xiaopeng , Jiang Kun
Published: February 2021

Accurate segmentation of abdominal organs has always been a difficult problem, especially for organs with cavities. And MRI‐guided radiotherapy is particularly attractive for abdominal targets compared with low CT contrast. But in the limit of radiotherapy environment, only low field MRI segmentation can be used for stomach location, tracking, and treatment planning. In clinical applications, the existing 3D segmentation network model is trained by the low field MRI, and the segmentation result cannot be used in radiotherapy plan since the bad segmentation performance. Another way is that historical high field intensity MR images are directly used for data expansion to network learning; there will be a domain shift problem. How to use different domain images to improve the segmentation accuracy of deep neural network? A 3D low field MRI stomach segmentation method based on transfer learning image enhancement is proposed in this paper. In this method, Cycle Generative Adversarial Network (CycleGAN) is used to construct and learn the mapping relationship between high and low field intensity MRI and to overcome domain shift. Then, the image generated by the high field intensity MRI through the CycleGAN network is with transferred information as the extended data. The low field MRI combines these extended datasets to form the training data for training the 3D Res‐Unet segmentation network. Furthermore, the convolution layer, batch normalization layer, and Relu layer together were replaced with a residual module to relieve the gradient disappearance of the neural network. The experimental results show that the Dice coefficient is 2.5 percent better than the baseline method. The over segmentation and under segmentation are reduced by 0.7 and 5.5 percent, respectively. And the sensitivity is improved by 6.4 percent.
A Partition Spatial Filtering Method for Acoustic Array Configuration
Authors: Liu Zhihong , Zhang Xilong , Liu Zunmin , Yi Chuijie , Ma Ming
Published: February 2021

Acoustic array is a ubiquitous tool for locating and quantifying sound sources. However, its effectiveness depends greatly on the array configuration. This paper presents an array configuration method to enhance array performance, especially on the spatial resolution and the Doppler effect correction. The problem of array configuration is formulated into a position matrix determined by introducing partition spatial filtering. Irregular coaxial ring grid spacings and partition filtering conditions are suggested to control array spatial resolution. Geometrical parameters and performance indicators are constructed to quantify the relationships between the array configuration and performance. Based on these quantitative relations, the spatial variation of the array beam pattern and the Doppler effect has got adaptive adjustment. In particular, an adaptive partition algorithm is proposed to reduce computation time. The performance of the method is examined numerically and experimentally, which is compared with the other methods. The results provide the method to guide the design of a 64‐microphone optimized array with high performance (1.8° spatial angle resolution and 40% Doppler frequency correction over the bandwidth from 800 Hz to 3000 Hz) and fast computing speed (18 s array generated time for 2000 arrays). Furthermore, an unusual feature of the method is that it can be utilized in the case when the source moves at a nonconstant velocity.
The Histone Modifications of Neuronal Plasticity
Authors: Geng Huixia , Chen Hongyang , Wang Haiying , Wang Lai
Published: February 2021

Nucleosomes composed of histone octamer and DNA are the basic structural unit in the eukaryote chromosome. Under the stimulation of various factors, histones will undergo posttranslational modifications such as methylation, phosphorylation, acetylation, and ubiquitination, which change the three-dimensional structure of chromosomes and affect gene expression. Therefore, the combination of different states of histone modifications modulates gene expression is called histone code. The formation of learning and memory is one of the most important mechanisms for animals to adapt to environmental changes. A large number of studies have shown that histone codes are involved in the formation and consolidation of learning and memory. Here, we review the most recent literature of histone modification in regulating neurogenesis, dendritic spine dynamic, synapse formation, and synaptic plasticity.
On a Characterization of Finite-Dimensional Vector Spaces
Authors: Markin Marat V.
Published: February 2021

We provide a characterization of the finite dimensionality of vector spaces in terms of the right-sided invertibility of linear operators on them.
УДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ СКЛАДУ ЕКСТЕМПОРАЛЬНОЇ СУСПЕНЗІЇ З ВІСМУТУ НІТРАТОМ ОСНОВНИМ ДЛЯ ЗАСТОСУВАННЯ В ГАСТРОЕНТЕРОЛОГІЇ – ТЕОРЕТИЧНЕ ОБГРУНТУВАННЯ
Authors: Melnyk G. M. , Yarnykh T. G. , Yuryeva G. B.
Published: February 2021

Мета роботи. Теоретичне обґрунтування удосконалення складу екстемпоральної суспензії з вісмуту нітратом основним для застосування в гастроентерології.

Матеріали та методи. Для пошуку інформації використано методи системного і порівняльного аналізу та бібліосемантичний метод вивчення сучасного погляду на фармакотерапію захворювань шлунково-кишкового тракту, зокрема виразкових хвороб, та використання вісмутовмісних препаратів для їх лікування.

Результати й обговорення. Розглянуто доцільність використання активних фармацевтичних інгредієнтів (вісмуту нітрату основного та аеросилу) у складі екстемпоральної суспензії. Аналіз літературних джерел показав, що вісмуту нітрат основний проявляє протизапальну, бактерицидну активність відносно Helicobacter pilory, а також судинозвужувальну дію; аеросил проявляє сорбційну та бактерицидну активність.

Висновки. Теоретично обґрунтовано удосконалення складу екстемпоральної суспензії з вісмуту нітратом основним для застосування в гастроентерології.
ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ АНТИМІКРОБНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ ВОДНО-ЕТАНОЛЬНИХ ВИТЯГІВ іЗ ТРАВИ ГОРЛЯНКИ ПОВЗУЧОЇ (AJUGA REPTANS L.)
Authors: Maliuvanchuk S. V. , Kutsyk R. V. , Grytsyk A. R.
Published: February 2021

Мета роботи. Визначення мікробіологічної чистоти трави горлянки повзучої та антимікробної активності водно-етанольних витягів трави горлянки повзучої відносно клінічних штамів умовно-патогенних бактерій та дріжджоподібних грибів.

Матеріали і методи. Об’єктом дослідження була антимікробна активність водно-етанольних витягів із трави горлянки повзучої, заготовленої в період масового цвітіння. Дослідження антимікробної активності екстрактів виконано на клінічних ізолятах антибіотикочутливих і антибіотикорезистентних мікроорганізмів. Бактеріальні культури ідентифікували за допомогою біохімічних мікротестів «STAPHYtest 16», «ENTEROtest 24», «NEFERMENTtest 24» (Lachema, Чехія), а також із врахуванням комплексу морфологічних і культуральних властивостей згідно з рекомендаціями 9-го видання «Визначника бактерій Берджі». Культури дріжджоподібних грибів ідентифікували на основі 40 біохімічних тестів за допомогою системи VITEK 2 з використанням VITEK 2 YST ID card (Biomerieux, Франція). Антимікробну дію витягів вивчали мікрометодом дифузії в агар.

Результати й обговорення. Проведено скринінг протимікробних властивостей для водно-етанольних витягів (40 %, 50 %, 70 %, 90 % об/об) трави горлянки повзучої та досліджено мікробіологічну чистоту рослинних витягів на 25 тест-штамах мікроорганізмів.

Висновки. Враховуючи результати досліджень, вважаємо перспективним  детальніше вивчення витягів із трави горлянки повзучої на можливу антимікробну дію та проведення мікробіологічних досліджень для розширення асортименту антимікробних лікарських рослинних засобів.
South East Asia
Authors: Vu Hai Dang
Published: February 2021

In October 2019, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Telecommunication and Information Technology Ministers adopted the ASEAN Guidelines for Strengthening Resilience and Repair of Submarine Cables. This instrument represents an important increase in awareness by the Association of the importance of a swift process for authorising the repair of submarine cables. This article suggests the next steps to be taken by ASEAN to improve the process of granting permits for repairing submarine cables in ASEAN Member States.
The Legacy of Zhou Enlai’s Diplomacy: Beyond a Memory
Authors: Li Wang , Fan Yaotian
Published: February 2021

Zhou Enlai held the first Premiership of China from 1949, and was the chief executive of Chinese diplomacy until 1976. He set out the communist ideology and the doctrine of realpolitik in light of a calculation between core interests and a flexible approach to the issues. He opined that diplomacy remained a constructive means, even though no immediate fruits were present. Zhou’s negotiating calibre was noted at the Geneva Conference (1954), his persuasive tactics were proven at the Bandung Conference (1955) and his pragmatic approach was recognised during his safari in Africa (1963-1964). This article explores how Zhou convinced his foreign counterparts that China had no intention of challenging the status quo while pursuing its legitimate rights in the world order. Given this, Zhou’s legacy should serve as a policy guide as well as a personal eulogy for the peaceful rise of China today.
Ṭabūn, Tannūr or Mustawqad? Fire Devices and Their Use in the Early Islamic Period
Authors: Nol Hagit
Published: February 2021

Ovens, hearths and furnaces were used by early Islamic societies for baking, cooking, and the production of various artefacts. The archaeological evidence from one research area in central Israel, from the seventh–eleventh centuries, accordingly presents a variety of fire installations. This paper offers an interpretation of their function through the analyses of terminology in contemporary texts, ethno-archaeological data, and spatial relations in the archaeological record. The paper suggests that domestic baking and cooking left almost no remains in the archaeological context. Instead, fire installations in the research area were almost exclusively related to crafts.
Gazing in the Eyes of the Martyrs: Four Theories of South Asian Shiʿi Visuality
Authors: Ruffle Karen G.
Published: February 2021

This essay presents an extended theoretical reflection on how South Asian Shiʿa visually engage with image-objects, notably the metal standard (ʿalam), and replica of Imam Husayn’s Karbala shrine-tomb (taʿziya). I present four theoretical lenses to theorize South Asian Shiʿi visual interactions: 1. Image acts; 2. Objects as assemblages imbued with thing power; 3. Images as focal objects of reciprocal gazing, and 4. The intersensorial nature of image-objects.
Four new synonyms in Synotis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae)

Authors: ZHANG RUI , LIU YU-LIN , TANG MING
Published: February 2021

Senecio alatus var. nudicaulis, Sen. alatus var. elatus, Sen. triligulatus var. brevipedunculatus and Sen. triligulatus var. foliato-pedunculatus, the four infraspecific taxa overlooked since their publication, are clarified based on critical specimen examinations and in vivo observations. The former two are found to be conspecific with Synotis alata and thus should be merged with this species, while the latter two are identical with Syn. pentantha and hence are synonymized herein. Additionally, a lectotype is designated for Syn. alata, a species described on the basis of several syntypes.
Association of Mast Cell Burden and TIM-3 Expression with Recalcitrant Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps
Authors: Belsky Michael A. , Corredera Erica , Banerjee Hridesh , Moore John , Wang Li , Kane Lawrence P. , Lee Stella E.
Published: February 2021

Objectives:

Previous work showed that higher polyp mast cell load correlated with worse postoperative endoscopic appearance in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP). Polyp epithelial mast cells showed increased expression of T-cell/transmembrane immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein 3 (TIM-3), a receptor that promotes mast cell activation and cytokine production. In this study, CRSwNP patients were followed post-operatively to investigate whether mast cell burden or TIM-3 expression among mast cells can predict recalcitrant disease.

Methods:

Nasal polyp specimens were obtained via functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and separated into epithelial and stromal layers via enzymatic digestion. Mast cells and TIM-3-expressing mast cells were identified via flow cytometry. Mann-Whitney U tests and Cox proportional hazard models assessed whether mast cell burden and TIM-3 expression were associated with clinical outcomes, including earlier recurrence of polypoid edema and need for treatment with steroids.

Results:

Twenty-three patients with CRSwNP were studied and followed for 6 months after undergoing FESS. Higher mast cell levels were associated with earlier recurrence of polypoid edema: epithelial HR = 1.283 ( P = .02), stromal HR = 1.103 ( P = .02). Percent of mast cells expressing TIM-3 in epithelial or stromal layers was not significantly associated with earlier recurrence of polypoid edema. Mast cell burden and TIM-3+ expression were not significantly associated with need for future treatment with steroids post-FESS.

Conclusions:

Mast cell load in polyp epithelium and stroma may predict a more refractory postoperative course for CRSwNP patients. The role of TIM-3 in the chronic inflammatory state seen in CRSwNP remains unclear.
Common Ownership in the U.S. Pharmaceutical Industry: A Network Analysis
Authors: Banal-Estañol Albert , Newham Melissa , Seldeslachts Jo
Published: February 2021

We investigate patterns in common ownership networks between firms that are active in the U.S. pharmaceutical industry for the period 2004–2014. Our main findings are that “brand firms”—that is, firms that have research and development capabilities and launch new drugs—exhibit relatively dense common ownership networks with each other that further increase significantly in density over time, whereas the network of “generic firms”—that is, firms that primarily specialize in developing and launching generic drugs—is much sparser and stays that way over the span of our sample. Finally, when considering the common ownership links between brands firms, on the one hand, and generic firms, on the other, we find that brand firms have become more connected to generic firms over time. We discuss the potential antitrust implications of these findings.
Practicing Parental Involvement: Heterogeneity in Parent Involvement Structures in Charter and Traditional Public Schools
Authors: Boylan Rebecca L. , Petts Amy , Renzulli Linda , Domina Thurston , Murray Brittany
Published: February 2021

Purpose: This study examines differences in the mechanisms that charter schools and traditional public schools use to facilitate parental school involvement and the degree to which these differences account for the high levels of involvement among charter school parents. Data and Research Methods: We merge data from principals and teachers from the nationally representative Schools and Staffing Survey and National Teacher and Principal Survey with nonprofit tax data from the National Center for Charitable Statistics. We use ordinary least squares regression to explain how charter and traditional public schools involve parents in communal, public-good activities, and individualistic, private-good activities within schools. Findings: Charters are less likely than traditional public schools to use bureaucratic structures, like parent–teacher organizations, and more likely to use nontraditional and less bureaucratic structures, like parent workshops and compacts. The use of such structures mediates a portion of the charter advantage; however, they only partially explain the association between being a charter and parent involvement. Additionally, we find some of the outreach structures that are most common in charter schools, including compacts, are also more strongly associated with parent involvement in charter schools than in traditional public schools. Implications: While charters have more public-good and private-good parent involvement than traditional public schools, our results suggest that the uncritical adoption of outreach strategies from one sector to another is unlikely to result in equal gains in parental involvement.
After the International Mathematical Olympiad: The Educational/Career Decisions and the Development of Mathematical Talent of Former Australian Olympians
Authors: Jung Jae Yup , Lee Jihyun
Published: February 2021

This study investigated the educational and career experiences of former Australian Olympians after their participation in the International Mathematical Olympiad. For this purpose, 15 former Olympians were engaged in interviews about how they developed their mathematical talent at university, how they selected their careers, and how they developed their mathematical talent within their careers. Thematic analysis was undertaken on the collected data. The resulting themes provided useful insights into the reasoning behind the selection of one’s area of study, the nature of the study experience, the factors considered in the career decision, and the nature of mathematical development in one’s career. Among other conclusions, the study suggested the applicability of two theories (i.e., the theory of work adjustment and the megamodel of talent development) in understanding the educational/career decisions of this group, the need for more systematic gifted education provisions within tertiary settings, and a prominent “brain drain” effect.
Why Are Older Adults More at Risk as Pedestrians? A Systematic Review
Authors: Wilmut Kate , Purcell Catherine
Published: February 2021

Objective

To explore factors that could explain why older adults are more at risk at the roadside.

Background

The physical and psychological health benefits of walking have been well-established, leading to the widespread promotion of walking amongst older adults. However, walking can result in an increased risk of injury as a pedestrian at the roadside, which is a greater risk for older adults who are overrepresented in pedestrian casualty figures.

Method

Relevant databases were searched up to January 2020. All peer-reviewed journals that presented data on healthy older adults and some aspect of road crossing or roadside behavior were included. A total of 142 papers were assessed and 60 met the inclusion criteria.

Results

Identified papers could be grouped into three areas: crossing at a designated crossing place; crossing with no designated crossing place; perceptions or behaviors.

Conclusion

Multiple individual (attitudes, perceived behavioral control, walking time, time-to-arrival judgments, waiting endurance, cognitive ability), task (vehicle size, vehicle speed, traffic volume), and environmental (road layout, time of day, weather) constraints influence road crossing in older adulthood.

Application

Accessibility of designated crossing areas needs to be addressed by ensuring sufficient time to cross and nonrestrictive waiting times. Signalized crossings need to be simplified and visibility increased. Where there is no designated crossing place, a reduction in speed limit alongside the provision of pedestrian islands to provide “pause” places are needed. Educational-based programs may also help ensure safety of older adults where there is no designated crossing place.
Econometric Analysis of Total Factor Productivity in India
Authors: Malik Mushtaq Ahmad , Masood Tariq , Sheikh Mehraj Ahmad
Published: February 2021

This article attempts to investigate the potential relationship and significance of various determinants of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) in India for the 1980–2016 time period. Specifically, this is achieved in two stages. In the first, the standard growth accounting approach is used to measure the changes in TFP. Then, the main model for establishing the determinants of TFP growth is estimated using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) model. Our results suggest that inflation and financial development have a statistically positive impact on TFP. Foreign direct investment, imports, and capital formation are found to have a positive but insignificant impact on the TFP. On the other hand, exports, government size, and natural calamities have a statistically negative impact on TFP. Therefore, in order to accelerate the TFP, governments and policymakers need to design and implement policies to increase financial access to the private sector, while maintaining price stability; exports of high-value products; and increased economic integration in the global economy to benefit from foreign investment flows, which brings in new technology.

JEL Classification: O4, O40, O47
The Personal Sociability and Connections Scale (PeSCS): Development and initial assessment at a primary care facility
Authors: Symvoulakis Emmanouil K , Linardakis Manolis , Kamekis Apostolos , Morgan Myfanwy , Klinis Spyridon
Published: February 2021

Purpose:

An individual’s lack of social connections and social isolation is often associated with feelings of loneliness which is regarded as having a negative effect on health. This paper describes the development and assessment of a 10 item ‘Personal Sociability and Connections Scale’ (PeSCS) to measure individual’s disposition and accompanying skills to seek out companionship and engage in interpersonal relations.

Methods:

The study was conducted at a rural primary care unit in Northern Greece. A total of 199 attenders were recruited over a 6-week period in 2020 and questionnaires completed. This informed the 10-items PeSCS that comprises Social, Behavioral, and Emotional components focusing on the expression of social comfort, willingness to share experiences, stories and concepts, and feelings of similarity at first contact. Reliability of the PeSC scale was assessed and the relationship with scale scores examined as an indicator of convergent validity. A multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship of PeSC scale score with the characteristics of participants.

Results:

Assessment of reliability of PeSC scale produced a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.809. The relationship between components and the total PeSCS scores identified significant correlations ( p < .001). At a multivariate level, male gender was the sample characteristic with a significant association with scale levels ( p < .05) and higher annual income with Social component ( p < .05). Otherwise the distribution of sociability dispositions was similar across population groups.

Conclusion:

The 10-item PeSC scale forms a simple and quick to complete measure whose overall reliability was rated as ‘meritorious’. The PeSC instrument may be a useful tool for assessing the causes and appropriate responses to the negative health effects of loneliness and social isolation.
On the origin of the 12 zodiac constellation system in ancient Mesopotamia
Authors: Kurtik Gennady E.
Published: February 2021

This article pursues two main goals: (1) to reconstruct the history of the 12 zodiac constellation system in the astronomy of ancient Mesopotamia; (2) to reveal traces of this system directly in cuneiform texts. Among the most important circumstances led to appearance of this system: (1) development of ideas about the band of zodiac constellations, including—according to MUL.APIN—the total of 18 (or 17) constellations; (2) usage of the schematic year, containing 12 months, 30 days each, and (3) development of ideas about mathematical or uniform zodiac, subdivided into 12 equal parts, 30° each. A sequence of the so-called Normal stars singled out in the zodiacal band is an additional important source shedding light on the history of the Mesopotamian zodiac. The designations of Normal stars adopted in Astronomical diaries and other texts indicate that the system of 18 constellations was used in Mesopotamia until the end of cuneiform civilization. This means that in the second half of the first millennium BC the system of 18 constellations, adopted in MUL.APIN, and the system of 12 zodiacal constellations, borrowed from Babylonians by Greek astronomers, were used in parallel. It is also shown in the article that the system of 12 zodiac constellations was used in magical and astrological text BRM 4.20, dated back approximately to the last third of the fourth century BC.
Truth Hidden in Plain Sight: How Social–Emotional Learning Empowers Novice Teachers’ Culturally Responsive Pedagogy in Title I Schools
Authors: Michalec Paul , Wilson Jodie L.
Published: February 2021

Educational inequity for students in highly impacted urban schools in the United States remains a persistent challenge despite efforts to reshape teaching practices. This article argues for the inclusion of holistic qualities of novice teacher effectiveness, including how the social and emotional learning (SEL) of teachers contributes to the development of critically informed pedagogies for teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students. Using data from 21 interviews with novice teachers, mentor teachers, instructional coaches, and school leaders, we argue that the skills and dispositions for student SEL can be used to inform understanding and implementation of culturally responsive pedagogy for novice teachers.
Civilian targeting in African conflicts: A poor actor’s game that spreads through space
Authors: Lis Piotr , Spagat Michael , Lee Uih Ran
Published: February 2021

Armed conflict actors frequently target civilian populations. Thus, an improved understanding of such behaviour could pave the way to reducing it. We use the Civilian Targeting Index (CTI) and a broad array of geo-referenced data to investigate the spatio-temporal and economic dynamics of civilian targeting by conflict actors in Africa. Two main insights are generated. First, the civilian targeting behaviour of African non-state conflict actors is strongly influenced by the behaviour of other proximate actors. In particular, non-state actors tend to increase their civilian targeting after nearby non-state actors have done so. Possible mechanisms to explain such spatial spillovers include emulation and retaliation. Second, a negative relationship between economic activity and civilian targeting exists and applies to both state and non-state actors. In addition, CTIs of non-state actors tend to increase with population density, the geographical spread of their conflict activity and conflict duration. State actors have higher average CTIs than non-state actors do, but the gap between the two actor types tends to close during long-duration conflicts.
Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (AMASE): An Ethnography of an Individual Music Instruction Program for Students With Disabilities
Authors: Draper Amanda R. , Bartolome Sarah J.
Published: February 2021

This 3-year ethnography explored the culture of the Academy of Music and Arts for Special Education (AMASE), a university undergraduate volunteer organization offering music instruction for individuals with disabilities. We examined the organization and its impact on students, parents, and volunteers through the lens of the social relational model of disability. Findings clustered around three pillars of organizational values: ability, community, and service. The organization’s philosophy of ability cultivated a community that acknowledged the impairments of the students while actively seeking ways to break down the socially imposed barriers to musical learning that were disabling to them. The program filled a need where access to music education had previously been limited or denied. Undergraduate volunteers’ experiences raised their awareness of inequity for people with disabilities and motivated them to consider ways to serve this community in their future careers. Findings illustrate the potential impact of a social relational model on music education philosophy and practice, suggesting a need for music educators to challenge implicit beliefs about students’ capabilities and actively inquire into the ways in which music education contexts may be inherently disabling.
Animal models for cystic fibrosis: a systematic search and mapping review of the literature. Part 2: nongenetic models
Authors: Leenaars Cathalijn HC , Vries Rob BM de , Reijmer Joey , Holthaus David , Visser Damian , Heming Anna , Elzinga Janneke , Kempkes Rosalie WM , Beumer Wouter , Punt Carine , Meijboom Franck LB , Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel
Published: February 2021

Various animal models are available to study cystic fibrosis (CF). These models may help to enhance our understanding of the pathology and contribute to the development of new treatments. We systematically searched all publications on CF animal models. Because of the large number of models retrieved, we split this mapping review into two parts. Previously, we presented the genetic CF animal models. In this paper we present the nongenetic CF animal models. While genetic animal models may, in theory, be preferable for genetic diseases, the phenotype of a genetic model does not automatically resemble human disease. Depending on the research question, other animal models may thus be more informative.

We searched Pubmed and Embase and identified 12,303 unique publications (after duplicate removal). All references were screened for inclusion by two independent reviewers. The genetic animal models for CF (from 636 publications) were previously described. The non-genetic CF models (from 189 publications) are described in this paper, grouped by model type: infection-based, pharmacological, administration of human materials, xenografts and other. As before for the genetic models, an overview of basic model characteristics and outcome measures is provided. This CF animal model overview can be the basis for an objective, evidence-based model choice for specific research questions. Besides, it can help to retrieve relevant background literature on outcome measures of interest.
Surface and Latent Meanings in Male’s Suicide Notes: A Two-Legged Qualitative Study
Authors: Canbolat Fazilet , Gençöz Faruk
Published: February 2021

This study aims to investigate the phenomenon of suicide, which is a global health problem, by utilizing suicide notes. Our main concern in this article is to understand why a person leaves suicide notes before committing suicide; indeed, this question may shed light on particular personal characteristics of the note-leavers. 12 documents containing suicide notes, belonging to Turkish males, were obtained from Prosecutor office. By using an inductive and interpretative method, firstly, we conducted a semantic level analysis; and subsequently, we deeply analyzed the data by conducting latent level analyses from a Lacanian point of view. At the end of this cumulative process, we labelled the latent themes as ‘ambivalence of emotions’, ‘issues associated with separation’ and ‘issues associated with the Law’. Within the scope of those findings, a diagnostic discussion was provided. This discussion designated a picture of narcissism in addition to a psychotic structure, specifically paranoia.
Quiet Politics in Tumultuous Times: Business Power, Populism, and Democracy
Authors: Culpepper Pepper D.
Published: February 2021

This article comments on a special issue of Politics & Society that examines “quiet politics” and the power of business in an era of “noisy politics.” The scholarship brought together in the issue shows that the world of business has indeed changed in the decade since Quiet Politics and Business Power was published, but also that quiet politics as a mode of low-salience interest advocacy seems alive and well. Building on this research, the article analyzes the different ways in which the rise of populist, noisy politics challenges business, how it challenges scholars studying business power, and how it challenges the functioning of the central feedback mechanism connecting political elites to mass publics in democracies—the media.
Patterns of injury following equine trauma: a non-trauma centre experience
Authors: Dick Lachlan , Yule Michael , Green James , Young Jamie
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Horse riding carries risk of injury which can result in fatality. The majority of published literature describes major trauma centre experience. We aimed to characterise injury patterns following equine trauma at a Scottish district general hospital.

Methods

A retrospective review of admissions following equine trauma was undertaken from 2014 to 2019. Mechanism and nature of injuries were noted. Patient management and outcomes were recorded and analysed to determine correlation.

Results

Of the 162 patients identified, 121 (74.7 per cent) were female. The commonest mechanism and injury sustained were falling from a horse (86.4 per cent) and head injury (17.9 per cent) respectively. Forty-four (27.2 per cent) had multiple injuries identified. Being crushed or kicked resulted in more abdominal visceral injuries (22.7 vs 0.7 per cent, p = <0.05) and ITU admissions (18.2 vs 6.4 per cent, p = 0.06) when compared with falling from alone. Eight (4.9 per cent) required transfer to a major trauma centre and 30-day mortality was 0.6 per cent.

Conclusion

Although variable, injuries following equine trauma can be life threatening. Increased awareness and development of safety legislation is needed. In addition, research could be directed at assessing functional outcomes given the large number of orthopaedic injuries.