bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactive Oxygen Species Regulate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and ER‐Mitochondrial Ca2+ Crosstalk to Promote Programmed Necrosis of Rat Nucleus Pulposus Cells under Compression
Authors: Lin Hui , Peng Yizhong , Li Jinye , Wang Zhe , Chen Sheng , Qing Xiangcheng , Pu Feifei , Lei Ming , Shao Zengwu
Published: March 2021

Programmed necrosis of nucleus pulposus (NP) cells caused by excessive compression is a crucial factor in the etiopathogenesis of intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria are crucial regulators of the cell death signaling pathway, and their involvement in IVDD has been reported. However, the specific role of ER stress (ERS) and ER‐mitochondria interaction in compression‐induced programmed necrosis of NP cells remains unknown. Our studies revealed that compression enhanced ERS and the association between ER and mitochondria in NP cells. Suppression of ERS via 4‐phenylbutyrate (4‐PBA) or ER‐mitochondrial Ca2+ crosstalk by inhibiting the inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate receptor, glucose‐regulated protein 75, voltage‐dependent anion‐selective channel 1 complex (IP3R–GRP75–VDAC1 complex) protected NP cells against programmed necrosis related to the poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) pathway. Moreover, excessive reactive oxygen species are critical activators of ERS, leading to mitochondrial Ca2+ accumulation and consequent programmed necrosis. These data indicate that ERS and ER‐mitochondrial Ca2+ crosstalk may be potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of IVDD‐associated disorders. These findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying IVDD and may provide novel therapeutic targets.
Standardized Extract (HemoHIM) Protects against Scopolamine-Induced Amnesia in a Murine Model
Authors: Kim Seul-Ki , Kwon Da-Ae , Kim Yong Sang , Lee Hak Sung , Kim Hyun Kyu , Kim Won-Ki
Published: March 2021

HemoHIM is a medicinal herbal preparation of Angelica gigas Nakai (Apiaceae), Cnidium officinale Makino (Umbelliferae), and Paeonia lactiflora Pallas (Paeoniaceae) designed for immune regulation. In the present study, the memory-enhancing effects of a standardized extract (HemoHIM) on scopolamine-induced memory impairment in a murine model was investigated. To induce amnesia, scopolamine (1 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into mice 30 min before the start of behavioral tests. The Y-maze, novel object recognition test (NORT), and passive avoidance task (PAT) were used to evoke memory functions. HemoHIM significantly improved scopolamine-induced memory impairment in ICR mice, which was evidenced by an improvement of spontaneous alternation in the Y-maze, recognition index in NORT, and latency time in PAT. To elucidate the possible mechanism, the cholinergic activity and mRNA levels of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (mAchR), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) were measured using reverse transcription (RT-PCR) and western blot analyses, respectively. HemoHIM treatment attenuated the scopolamine-induced hyperactivation of acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity. In addition, ChAT, mAchR, and CREB mRNA levels were increased in the hippocampus compared with the scopolamine group. Furthermore, HemoHIM treatment resulted in elevated BDNF protein expression. These results indicate that HemoHIM may exert antiamnesic activity by increasing Ach and inhibiting AchE in the hippocampus. In addition, HemoHIM has therapeutic potential by upregulating ChAT, mAchR, and BDNF, which is apparently mediated by activation of the CREB and ERK signaling pathways.
Endoscopic Resection of a Large Submucosal Tumor Causing Intermittent Gastric Outlet Obstruction Using a Novel Radiofrequency Enabled Device
Authors: Nabi Zaheer , Ramchandani Mohan , Darisetty Santosh , Reddy D. Nageshwar
Published: March 2021

Gastric lipomas are rare benign tumors and account for 1–3% of all benign gastric tumors. Majority of the gastric lipomas are asymptomatic and do not demand resection. However, large gastric lipomas may present with upper gastrointestinal bleeding and more rarely gastric outlet obstruction. Traditionally, surgery has been utilized for the management of giant gastric lipomas. More recently, endoscopic techniques are increasingly utilized for the resection of gastric submucosal lesions. Here we describe a case with large gastric lipoma who presented with symptoms suggestive of gastric outlet obstruction. Gastroscopy revealed a large (6 cm) submucosal lesion with a broad peduncle located in antrum. The tumor was prolapsing into duodenum thereby, completing occluding the pylorus. In this case, we performed endoscopic submucosal dissection using a novel, bipolar radiofrequency device. The dissection was completed without any complications.
Metabolic Dyslipidemia and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: Findings From the Look AHEAD Study
Authors: Kaze Arnaud D. , Santhanam Prasanna , Musani Solomon K. , Ahima Rexford , Echouffo‐Tcheugui Justin B.
Published: March 2021

Background

Metabolic dyslipidemia (high triglyceride) and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) is highly prevalent in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The extent to which diabetes mellitus–related abnormalities in the triglyceride–HDL‐C profile associates with cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is incompletely understood. We evaluated the associations of triglyceride and HDL‐C status with CVD outcomes in individuals with T2DM.

Methods and Results

We analyzed data from 4199 overweight/obese adults with T2DM free of CVD with available data on triglyceride and HDL‐C at baseline (2001–2004) in the Look AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) study. We used Cox proportional models to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs of: (1) composite CVD outcome (myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for angina, and/or death from cardiovascular causes); (2) coronary artery disease events; and (3) cerebrovascular accidents (stroke). Of the 4199 participants, 62% (n=2600) were women, with a mean age of 58 years (SD, 7), and 40% (n=1659) had metabolic dyslipidemia at baseline. Over a median follow‐up of 9.5 years (interquartile range, 8.7–10.3), 500 participants experienced the composite CVD outcome, 396 experienced coronary artery disease events, and 100 experienced stroke. Low HDL‐C was associated with higher hazards of the composite CVD outcome (HR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12–1.64 [
P
=0.002]) and coronary artery disease events (HR, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.18–1.81 [
P
=0.001]) but not stroke (HR, 1.38; 95% CI, 0.90–2.11 [
P
=0.140]). Compared with patients with normal triglyceride and normal HDL, participants with metabolic dyslipidemia had higher risks of the composite CVD outcome (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.03–1.63 [
P
=0.025]) and coronary artery disease events (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.14–1.93 [
P
=0.003]) but not stroke (HR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.74–2.05 [
P
=0.420]).

Conclusions

In a large sample of overweight/obese individuals with T2DM, metabolic dyslipidemia was associated with higher risks of CVD outcomes. Our findings highlight the necessity to account for metabolic dyslipidemia in CVD risk stratification among patients with T2DM.

Registration

URL:
https://www.lookaheadtrial.org
; Unique identifier:
NCT00017953
.
Negating Seth: Destruction as Vitality
Authors: Arp-Neumann Janne
Published: March 2021

In the past, different points in time have been set as demarcating the beginning of the end of Ancient Egyptian religion. One of these is the start of the so-called “proscription” of the god Seth, whose names and images are found damaged in many of their occurrences. In previous studies, this observation was explained as the result of intentional destruction performed during the first millennium BCE, and as such as indicative of the decay of Ancient Egyptian religion at this time. However, Seth was from his earliest attestations conceived as a deity ready to perform acts of violence and disruption; under specific circumstances he needed to be banished, but his character was also valued in circumstances requiring violence. This article discusses the problems, fallacies, and arguments of interpreting the intentions behind the destruction of monuments in general and the treatment of Seth in particular. It will be argued that “negating” the image of the “negative” god was not done with malicious intent, but to highlight this god’s role, which was important for the context of the image. It will be proposed that this phenomenon proves that Egyptian religion was still vibrantly alive at that time, not fading away and dying.
Prophesying the Demise of Egyptian Religion in Late Antiquity: The Perfect Discourse and Antoninus in Canopus
Authors: Bull Christian H.
Published: March 2021

When the demise of traditional Egyptian religion took place is much debated. Some scholars have portrayed vibrant cults continuing well beyond the 4th century, embattled by Christianity, whereas others see a marked decline in the late 2nd and early 3rd century, leaving a blank slate for Christianity in the fourth century. The present contribution interprets the apocalyptic prophecy of Hermes Trismegistus in the Perfect Discourse to reflect a priestly insider’s perspective of the decline in temple-cult in the early 3rd century, and its projected catastrophic consequences for Egypt and indeed the cosmic order. Yet, despite the general neglect of temple-cult and literacy in the Egyptian priestly scripts, certain temples remained in use. The second part of the article is devoted to the survival and apparent rejuvenation of the temple of Osiris/Serapis in Canopus, in the second half of the 4th century. This case shows that at this late date there were still self-consciously traditionalist devotees of Egyptian gods, though our sources do not permit us to see to what degree their temple-cult corresponded to the old “standard model.” The temple’s alliance with the non-Egyptian Neoplatonist Antoninus suggests that the image of Egypt as the temple of the world is now championed in the language of Hellenism, and Antoninus updates the now nearly two-centuries-old prophecy of Hermes Trismegistus to predict the fall of the Serapis temples in Alexandria and Canopus after his death. Both the Perfect Discourse and Antoninus are testimonies of a literate elite that saw the great temples as the essence of Egyptian religion, and their demise as the end of Egypt and the world.
The Role of Rulers in the Winding Up of the Old Norse Religion
Authors: Sundqvist Olof
Published: March 2021

It is a common opinion in research that the Scandinavians changed religion during the second half of the Viking Age, that is, ca. 950–1050/1100 CE. During this period, Christianity replaced the Old Norse religion. When describing this transition in recent studies, the concept “Christianization” is often applied. To a large extent this historiography focuses on the outcome of the encounter, namely the description of early Medieval Christianity and the new Christian society. The purpose and aims of the present study are to concentrate more exclusively on the Old Norse religion during this period of change and to analyze the questions of how and why it disappeared. A special focus is placed on the native kings. These kings played a most active role in winding up the indigenous tradition that previously formed their lives. It seems as if they used some deliberate methods during this process. When designing their strategies they focused on the religious leadership as well as the ritual system. These seem to have been the aspects of the indigenous religion of which they had direct control, and at the same time, were central for the modus operandi of the old religion. Most of all, it seems as if these Christian kings were pragmatists. Since they could not affect the traditional worldview and prevent people from telling the mythical narratives about the old gods, they turned to such aims that they were able to achieve.
A new species of Sarcopodium (Hypocreales, Nectriaceae) from China
Authors: ZENG ZHAO-QING , ZHUANG WEN-YING
Published: March 2021

A new species, Sarcopodium tibetense, is described on rotten stem base of maize straw from the Tibet Autonomous Region. The anatomy of perithecia, which covered with septate, curved hairs on the surface, striate ascospores, and penicillate conidiophores indicate that the fungus belongs to Sarcopodium. It is characterized by solitary to gregarious perithecia that are globose to subglobose or pyriform, not becoming cupulate upon drying, and with hyaline hairs on surface; cylindrical to clavate asci with eight ascospores that are fusiform to ellipsoidal and striate. The asexual state is penicillium-like and with subglobose, ellipsoidal, oblong to rod-shaped, aseptate, smooth, hyaline conidia aggregated in a slimy mass. Sarcopodium tibetense is distinguished from its morphologically similar species, S. circinosetiferum, by narrower conidiophores and the presence of 50 bp and 9 bp sequence divergences in the ITS and LSU regions. Sequence analysis of the combined act, ITS, LSU and tub genes confirm its taxonomic position in Sarcopodium as a species new to science.
Complete mitochondrial genome and taxonomic revision of Cardiodactylus muiri Otte, 2007 (Gryllidae: Eneopterinae: Lebinthini)
Authors: DONG JIAJIA , VICENTE NATALLIA , CHINTAUAN-MARQUIER IOANA C. , RAMADI CAHYO , DETTAI AGNÈS , ROBILLARD TONY
Published: March 2021

In the present study, we report the high-coverage complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of the cricket Cardiodactylus muiri Otte, 2007. The mitogenome was sequenced using a long-PCR approach on an Ion Torrent Personal Genome Machine (PGM) for next generation sequencing technology. The total length of the amplified mitogenome is 16,328 bp, representing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and one noncoding region (D-loop region). The new sets of long-PCR primers reported here are invaluable resources for future comparative evolutionary genomic studies in Orthopteran insects. The new mitogenome sequence is compared with published cricket mitogenomes. In the taxonomic part, we present new records for the species and describe life-history traits, habitat and male calling song of the species; based on observation of new material, the species Cardiodactylus buru Gorochov & Robillard, 2014 is synonymized under C. muiri.
Taxonomic notes on the genus Protanilla (Hymenoptera: Formicidae: Leptanillinae) from Taiwan
Authors: HSU PO-WEI , HSU FENG-CHUAN , HSIAO YUN , LIN CHUNG-CHI
Published: March 2021

A new species of Protanilla Taylor, 1990, P. jongi sp. nov., from Taiwan is described and illustrated, along with a supplementary description of the queen morphology of P. lini Terayama, 2009 and biological notes of Protanilla species. Furthermore, Furcotanilla Xu, 2012 is considered a junior synonym of Protanilla on reanalysis of purported diagnostic characters. A key to the world fauna of genus Protanilla based on the worker caste is provided.
Nine new Pristionchus (Nematoda: Diplogastridae) species from China
Authors: KANZAKI NATSUMI , HERRMANN MATTHIAS , WEILER CHRISTIAN , RÖSELER WALTRAUD , THESKA TOBIAS , BERGER JÜRGEN , RÖDELSPERGER CHRISTIAN , SOMMER RALF J.
Published: March 2021

The model organism Pristionchus pacificus and the genus Pristionchus, Kreis, 1932 have been intensively studied in the last decade with contemporary work focusing on the development, evolution, ecology, behavior, neurobiology, and genomics of this group of organisms. In particular, mechanistic studies on the development and evolution of mouth-form plasticity, predation and associated self-recognition processes enabled unique insight into life history strategies and the evolution of novelty. These studies include a comparative research agenda making use of the 39 available species of Pristionchus, all of which can be studied in living cultures. Sampling efforts revealed that Asia represents a biodiversity hotspot for Pristionchus worms. However, previous samplings have a bias towards northern and island areas, largely for logistic reasons. Here, we report on two extensive sampling trips to the Yunnan and Shaanxi provinces in Mainland China. We report the isolation of nine new Pristionchus species by morphology, morphometrics, mating experiments and genome-wide sequence analysis.
Revision and phylogeny of the genus Andocaeculus (Acari: Caeculidae)
I: the A. weyrauchi species group
Authors: PORTA ANDRÉS O. , PIZARRO-ARAYA JAIME , RAMÍREZ MARTÍN J.
Published: March 2021

Two new caeculid mite species, Andocaeculus beatrizrosso sp. nov. and Andocaeculus burmeisteri sp. nov., are described and A. weyrauchi (Franz, 1964) is redescribed based on material collected at the type locality. All post-larval stages are described for A. weyrauchi and Andocaeculus beatrizrosso sp. nov. and stochastic variation in the idiosomal and appendages chaetotaxy is considered. A clade of Andocaeculus containing the three species (the A. weyrauchi group) is established based on morphological characters, and confirmed with a Bayesian phylogenetic analysis of sequences from the CO1 marker. As result of the same analysis, the absence of the (st) pair of setae on leg II is proposed as a derived condition for the genus Andocaeculus, and the presence of the φ solenidion on leg IV is a derived condition for some Andocaeculus species of the A. weyrauchi species group.
Essential and Expendable: Migrant Domestic Workers and the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pandey Kritika , Parreñas Rhacel Salazar , Sabio Gianne Sheena
Published: March 2021

In this article, we examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labor conditions of domestic workers in the epicenter of the United States. We focus our analysis on the symbolic categorization of domestic work as “essential labor.” While domestic workers are lauded as heroes in public discourse, we argue that this symbolic recognition does not extend to material remuneration. Instead, we find that labor conditions better fit their categorization as expendable essential workers, meaning those whose essential labor is magnified during the pandemic but whose work remains materially undervalued. Data used in this article draw from observations of more than 30 hours of virtual town hall meetings on the pandemic hosted by migrant domestic worker advocacy groups in Los Angeles and New York.
Centering the Margins: The Precarity of Bangladeshi Low-Income Migrant Workers During the Time of COVID-19
Authors: Jamil Raihan , Dutta Uttaran
Published: March 2021

A global outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) has profoundly escalated social, political, economic, and cultural disparities, particularly among the marginalized migrants of the global South, who historically remained key sufferers from such disparities. Approximately 8 million, such workers from Bangladesh, migrated from their homelands to work in neighboring countries, specifically in Southeast Asia and in the Middle East, and also contribute significantly to their country’s economy. As many of the migrant workers work on temporary visas, scholars have expressed concerns about their physical and psychological health such as joblessness, mortality, abuses, daunting stress, and inhabitable living environment. Embracing the theoretical frameworks of critical–cultural communication, this article explores two research questions: (1) What are the emerging narratives of experiencing realities and disparities among the Bangladeshi migrants at the margins? (2) How the migrants negotiated and worked on overcoming the adversities? In doing so, we have closely examined 85 Facebook Pages (number of subscribers: 10,000-1 million), dedicated to issues of Bangladeshi migrant workers to qualitatively analyze emerging mediated discourses (textual, visual, and audiovisual). Our analysis reveals several aspects, including, (1) impact of job insecurities on migrants and their families, (2) living conditions of and abuses on migrants works, (3) negotiations of mental stress by the marginalized migrants, and (4) how community support helps the migrants to survive during the pandemic.
Gray matter volume differences between transgender men and cisgender women: A voxel-based morphometry study
Authors: Fukao Taku , Ohi Kazutaka , Shioiri Toshiki
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Gender dysphoria (GD) is characterized by distress due to inconsistency between gender identity and biological sex. Individuals with GD often desire to be the other gender, which is called transgender. Although altered brain volumes in transgender people, particularly transgender women, have been reported, the particular brain regions have been inconsistent among studies. This study aimed to investigate neuroanatomical differences in transgender men without physical interventions.

Method:

T1-weighted magnetic resonance images (MRIs) were acquired in 21 transgender men and 21 cisgender women matched for biological sex and age. Whole-brain comparisons using voxel-based morphometry (VBM) were performed to identify gray matter volume (GMV) differences between transgender men and cisgender women.

Results:

Transgender men showed greater GMV in the right posterior cingulate gyrus ( PFWE-corr = 3.06×10-6) and the left occipital pole ( PFWE-corr = 0.017) and lower GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus ( PFWE-corr = 0.017) than cisgender women. Even after including serum sex hormone levels as covariates, the posterior cingulate gyrus was still significant ( PFWE-corr < 0.05). In contrast, the occipital pole and the middle temporal gyrus were not significant after controlling for the sex hormone levels ( PFWE-corr > 0.05), especially affected by testosterone but not estradiol.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that transgender men have altered brain structure. We suggest that larger posterior midline structures may contribute to sensitivity to self-referential processing through altered visual perception in transgender people.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Labour Supply, Wages and Gross Value Added in India
Authors: Estupinan Xavier , Gupta Sargam , Sharma Mohit , Birla Bharti
Published: March 2021

This article estimates the first-order supply shock through labour supply reduction associated with the containment measures taken by the Government of India to control COVID-19 spread. We provide the estimates for Lockdown 1.0 and Lockdown 2.0, from 25 March to 3 May 2020, when india had the highest stringency measures in the world. To get an extensive impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the labour market, we carry out an in-depth analysis of labour supply shocks by employment status, industry level and occupation. The workers impacted are those who work in a non-essential industry and are not able to work from home. To identify jobs that cannot be done from home, we use a novel approach and construct an occupation-based Remote Labour Index (RLI) for India. Using the PLFS (2017–2018) we find that 116.18 million (25% of the total employed) and 78.93 million (17% of total employed) workers were affected during Lockdown 1.0 and Lockdown 2.0, respectively. The expected monthly wage and income loss to workers is estimated to be Rs. 864.5 billion (2017–2018 prices). Further, the reduction of Gross Value Added (2012–2012 prices) is estimated at 14% compared to a no-COVID scenario.

JEL Classification Codes: E01, J21, J22, J24, J33, J38
Design and implementation of smart and automatic oven for food drying
Authors: Tümay Mehmet , Ünver Halil Murat
Published: March 2021

Fruits and vegetables ripen at certain times of the year and must be ripe for consumption. However, in the short-term ripening period, some of the fresh vegetables and fruits that are more than the consumable amount deteriorate before they can be consumed. Picking up fruits and vegetables when they are ripe and drying the surplus for later use is the most common storage method. In recent years, where technology has developed rapidly, instead of drying in the sun, solutions are produced in which the drying processes are managed automatically by using the drying kinematics of the products. The most recent techniques manage the drying process by measuring the weight of the wet and dried products during heating. Also, different types of ovens such as microwave ovens are tried to increase the efficiency of the drying process. These are rather complex solutions. In this study, a smart system that manages the drying process in real-time by using the humidity in the environment instead of weight together with the drying kinematics of the product is designed. So the complexity of the system is simplified. Also, the total duration of the drying process is exactly estimated by using the moisture content in the environment and the drying model of the product. In the study, firstly, data on the drying stage were collected with the experiments made for each product. These data were processed in a Matlab environment and a drying model with a curve fitting method was developed for each product. The drying models developed in the study were loaded into the processor of the smart oven and the entire drying process was managed in real-time. With the developed system solution, when the process is started, the drying time is estimated according to the amount processed and the type of product, and the drying time of the drying process is estimated by using the moisture content in the environment and the drying model of the product. In this way, pre-drying and post-drying stages can be planned.
Trends and Recent Change in the Syntactic Distribution of Degree Modifiers: Implications for a Usage-based Theory of Word Classes
Authors: Vartiainen Turo
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the syntactic distribution of degree modifiers in both spoken and written English. The results of the empirical case studies show that degree modifiers, both amplifiers (e.g., very, extremely) and downtoners (e.g., quite, pretty), are generally more often used in predication than in attribution, a result that is in line with earlier observations of the distribution of individual modifiers. This synchronic trend is also evident in diachronic developments: corpus data show that the recent frequency increase of intensifying this and that has largely taken place in predication, and the adjectivization of a class of -ed participles (e.g., interested, scared) can also be connected to their frequent co-occurrence with degree modifiers after be. Finally, the connection between degree modifiers and predicative usage has recently become stronger for a subset of modifiers (e.g., so, this, that) due to the decline of the “Big Mess” construction (e.g., so good an idea). From a theoretical perspective, this paper promotes a dynamic, usage-based model of word classes where frequency of use plays a role in categorization. The data investigated in the article are mainly discussed from the perspective of usage-based Construction Grammar, and the theoretical implications of the findings are examined both in light of a more traditional Construction Grammar network model of language and some recent ideas of overlapping word classes.
Identifying effective cognitive biases in information retrieval
Authors: Gomroki Gisoo , Behzadi Hassan , Fattahi Rahmatolloah , Salehi Fadardi Javad
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to identify the types of cognitive biases in the process of information retrieval. This research used a mixed-method approach for data collection. The research population consisted of 25 information retrieval specialists and 30 post-graduate students. We employed three tools for collecting data, including a checklist, log files and semi-structured interviews. The findings showed that from the perspective of information retrieval specialists, the cognitive biases such as ‘Familiarity’, ‘Anchoring’, ‘Rush to solve’ and ‘Curse of knowledge’ could be of the greatest importance in the field of information retrieval. Also, in terms of users’ searching, the ‘Rush to solve problems’ and ‘Mere exposure effects’ biases have the highest frequency, and the ‘Outcome’ and ‘Curse of knowledge’ biases have the lowest frequency in the process of user retrieval information. It can be concluded that, because cognitive biases occurring in information retrieval, designers of information retrieval systems and librarians should pay attention to this issue in designing and evaluating information systems.
Planning date nights that promote closeness: The roles of relationship goals and self-expansion
Authors: Harasymchuk Cheryl , Walker Deanna L. , Muise Amy , Impett Emily A.
Published: March 2021

Spending time with a romantic partner by going on dates is important for promoting closeness in established relationships; however, not all date nights are created equally, and some people might be more adept at planning dates that promote closeness. Drawing from the self-expansion model and relationship goals literature, we predicted that people higher (vs. lower) in approach relationship goals would be more likely to plan dates that are more exciting and, in turn, experience more self-expansion from the date and increased closeness with the partner. In Study 1, people in intimate relationships planned a date to initiate with their partners and forecasted the expected level of self-expansion and closeness from engaging in the date. In Study 2, a similar design was employed, but we also followed up with participants 1 week later to ask about the experience of engaging in their planned dates (e.g., self-expansion, closeness from the date). Taken together, the results suggest that people with higher (vs. lower) approach relationship goals derive more closeness from their dates, in part, because of their greater aptitude for planning dates that are more exciting and promote self-expansion.
Concrete and symbolic continuing bonds with a deceased person: The psychometric properties of the continuing bonds scale in bereaved surviving family members
Authors: Sekowski Marcin
Published: March 2021

Based on the research on continuing bonds (CB) with a deceased person to date, the reports of clinicians, and the contemporary theory of attachment, two dimensions of CB were distinguished: (i) a concrete CB, essentially characteristic of unresolved and prolonged grief, and (ii) a symbolic CB, specific to grief resolution. The psychometric properties of the Continuing Bonds Scale (CBS) were examined in a sample of persons from Poland ( N = 244) bereaved after the death of a family member from 0.5 to 18 years before the survey ( M = 3.45, SD = 2.25). In the first sub-sample ( n = 141), the exploratory factor analysis revealed a two-factor structure of the CBS: the concrete and the symbolic dimension of the CB with the deceased. In the second sub-sample ( n = 103), a good fit of this two-factor model of the CBS was determined by confirmatory factor analysis. At the bivariate analysis level, the concrete CB with the deceased positively correlated with attachment anxiety, and negatively with grief resolution and time since loss; the symbolic CB negatively correlated with attachment avoidance. When predicting grief resolution for two dimensions of CB (controlling for adult attachment, and sociodemographic and loss-related variables), concrete CB was a negative predictor, and symbolic CB was a positive predictor of the outcome variable. The internal consistency of the CBS subscales was acceptable. The CBS is a valid and reliable measure of two different CB dimensions. The model of concrete and symbolic CB with the deceased was discussed in the light of the current results and contemporary attachment theory.
Connecting electronically with friends to cope with isolation during COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Juvonen Jaana , Schacter Hannah L. , Lessard Leah M.
Published: March 2021

Given that friends serve as one of the most important sources of emotional support during stress, the current study examines whether connecting electronically with friends can help alleviate loneliness and emotional distress during the social isolation mandates of the COVID-19 pandemic. Relying on a cross-sectional electronic survey conducted with a sample of 18–70-year-old adults (n = 295), information about the frequency of and satisfaction with electronic friend contact methods were obtained. Participants of all ages reported greater than typical reliance on, and satisfaction with, video calls during the imposed isolation, although they (especially the younger generations) used texting and connecting via social media the most. More frequent overall use of communication technologies was associated with greater anxiety but unrelated to loneliness and depression. In contrast, greater overall satisfaction with electronic contact with friends was associated with lower levels of loneliness, anxiety and depressive symptoms, as hypothesized. Satisfaction was most protective among those living alone. The findings highlight the potential psychological benefits of connecting electronically with close others and suggest that connecting with friends offers a way to cope with imposed isolation as long as individuals are satisfied with their exchanges.
Eliciting the educational needs and priorities of home care workers on end-of-life care for patients with heart failure using nominal group technique
Authors: Baik Dawon , Leung Peggy B , Sterling Madeline R , Russell David , Jordan Lizeyka , Silva Ariel F , Masterson Creber Ruth M
Published: March 2021

Background:

Home care workers, as paid caregivers, assist with many aspects of home-based heart failure care. However, most home care workers do not receive systematic training on end-of-life care for heart failure patients.

Aim:

To elicit the educational needs and priorities of home care workers caring for community- dwelling adults with heart failure at the end-of-life.

Design:

Nominal group technique involving a semi-quantitative structured group process and point rating system was used to designate the importance of priorities elicited from home care workers. Individual responses to the question, “ If you have ever cared for a heart failure patient who was dying (or receiving end-of-life care on hospice), what are some of the challenges you faced?”, were aggregated into categories using directed content analysis methods.

Setting/Participants:

Forty-one home care workers were recruited from a non-profit training and education organization in New York City.

Results:

Individual responses to the question were aggregated into five categories: (1) how to cope and grieve; (2) assisting patients with behavior changes, (3) supporting patients to improve their quality of life, (4) assisting patients with physical symptom management, and (5) symptom recognition and assessment.

Conclusions:

Our findings confirm the need for the formal development and evaluation of an educational program for home care workers to improve the care of heart failure patients at the end-of-life. There is also a need for research on integrating home care workers into the interprofessional healthcare team to support optimal health outcomes for patients with heart failure.
Investigation of Breaking Points in the Airline Industry with Airline Optimization Studies Through Text Mining before the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Atay Metehan , Eroğlu Yunus , Ulusam Seçkiner Serap
Published: March 2021

In this study, current literature in the field of airline optimization has been examined by the text mining method to understand trends and commercial threats in the airline industry. Prominent types of work and popular topics have been revealed to understand the importance of global events. This research summarizes trends and some important points relating to airline optimization. The results are striking. It analyzes studies conducted on behalf of aviation before the global COVID-19 pandemic. The economic contribution made by the aviation sector as well as the costs it suffers as a result of crisis situations are clearly explained. Reasons for differences in studies conducted by different countries in the field of aviation are also explained. This study is intended to give an idea of how the aviation sector shapes academic studies, how studies on aviation optimization could contribute in the future, and how the countries have addressed important challenges to the aviation industry in the past.
Concussion History and Balance Performance in Adolescent Rugby Union Players
Authors: Matthews Mark , Johnston William , Bleakley Chris M. , Davies Richard J. , Rankin Alan T. , Webb Michael , Caulfield Brian C. , Archbold H.A.P.
Published: March 2021

Background:

Sports-related concussion is a worldwide problem. There is a concern that an initial concussion can cause prolonged subclinical disturbances to sensorimotor function that increase the risk of subsequent injury. The primary aim of this study was to examine whether a history of sports-related concussion has effects on static and dynamic balance performance in adolescent rugby players.

Hypothesis:

Dynamic balance would be worse in players with a history of concussion compared with those with no history of concussion.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Male adolescent rugby players aged 14 to 18 years from 5 schools were recruited before the start of the 2018-2019 playing season. Participants completed questionnaires and physical tests, including dynamic Y balance and single-leg static balance (eyes closed) tests, while performing single and dual tasks. Dynamic balance was assessed using inertial sensor instrumentation. Dependent variables were normalized reach distance and the sample entropy (SEn) of the 3 axes ( x, y, and z).

Results:

Of the 195 participants, 100 reported a history of concussion. Those with a history of concussion demonstrated higher SEn in all directions, with highest values during anterior (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.4; 95% CI, 0.0-0.7; P = .027) and posteromedial (SMD, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9; P = .004) reach directions compared with those with no history. There was no difference between groups (concussion history vs control) in traditional Y balance reach distances in the anterior or posteromedial directions or single-leg static balance during both single- ( P = .47) and dual-task ( P = .67) conditions.

Conclusion:

Adolescent rugby union athletes with a history of concussion had poorer dynamic balance during performance tasks compared with healthy controls. Static single-leg balance tests, either single or dual task, may not be sensitive enough to detect sensorimotor deficits in those with a history of concussion.
Place Branding and Its Discontents: The Politics and Management of Neighborhood Governance Systems
Authors: Collins Brady
Published: March 2021

Since the 1990s, urban planners in the United States have developed systems of neighborhood governance as a way to better involve citizens in decision making. Simultaneously, place branding emerged as an economic development strategy employed by local, municipal, and regional organizations. While often discussed as an elite-controlled game, little attention has been paid to the role of residents in branding their own communities. This study investigates the extent to which different neighborhood governance systems encourage neighborhood branding. Through qualitative analysis of thirty-five cities, this paper demonstrates that across systems, there is an ongoing tension between empowering residents and managing place branding.
New modeling method of millimeter-wave radar considering target radar echo intensity
Authors: Jun Zhan , Kai Yang , Xuecai Dong , Zhangu Wang , Huainan Zhu , Chunguang Duan
Published: March 2021

Virtual test evaluation is an important development direction for automatic driving technology testing and evaluation. The millimeter-wave radar sensor model used in virtual test evaluation should meet the real-time and accuracy requirements of the system. The current millimeter-wave radar model can satisfy real-time requirements but cannot simulate the physical characteristics of millimeter-wave radar. This study proposes a millimeter-wave radar model, which introduces the radar cross-sectional (RCS) area judgment index based on geometric clipping extraction and target visibility judgment. Through simulation verification of target visibility, the millimeter-wave radar model integrated with RCS indicators has demonstrated consistent test results with real millimeter-wave radar. The millimeter-wave radar model can better simulate the physical characteristics and error conditions of real millimeter-wave radar as well as enhance the accuracy of virtual simulation tests and evaluation of automatic driving while ensuring the real-time requirements of the simulation.
Simulation analysis of high-speed turnout point rail switching force considering influence of external locking device
Authors: Fang Jiasheng , Chen Rong , Hu Chenyang , Chen Jiayin , Xu Jingmang , Wang Ping
Published: March 2021

This study simulates the complete switching process of a turnout and presents an accurate method for calculating the turnout switching force. By establishing an analysis model for the turnout switching of high-speed turnout elastic flexible single-leg point rail No.18 while considering the effects of external locking devices, the actual switching force time-history curve is obtained. Simultaneously, the model is validated with experimental data from the field. Based on this model, the effects of different factors on the switching force of the point rail are calculated and analyzed. The research results show that the external locking device optimizes the stress state of the locking lever, and the switching force acting on the locking lever is much smaller than that on the point rail web. Foreign matter clearly increases the switching force, which is not conducive to the locking of the point rail. When the foreign matter size reaches 3 mm, the switching force of the point rail increases sharply, which causes the switching force to exceed the limit. Overall, the point rail switching force is proportional to the start time difference of each traction point; therefore, the maximum action time difference should be controlled within 0.7 s.
Unbalance detection in rotating machinery based on support vector machine using time and frequency domain vibration features
Authors: Gangsar Purushottam , Pandey Rohit Kumar , Chouksey Manoj
Published: March 2021

The automated diagnostics of the unbalance in a rotor system has been presented in this study based on an artificial intelligence technique called support vector machine. In order to develop a support vector machine–based unbalance diagnosis, first the raw vibration signals in time and frequency domain are measured experimentally from healthy and unbalanced rotor installed on machine fault simulator. Then, three critical statistical features, namely, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis are extracted from the time and frequency domain vibration signals. Further, the features are used for training and testing of the support vector machine for building the automated diagnostic system for unbalance in a rotating system. The results from the present study show that the unbalance fault diagnosis can be effectively done based on the developed support vector machine–based methodology. The automated diagnosis of unbalance is possible with the time domain as well as frequency domain features. The results are better with time domain features than frequency domain features. In addition, the diagnosis is performed and found to be robust at most of the operating speeds of the rotor; however, the diagnosis should be avoided to attempt using the present methodology at very lower operating speeds.
Techno-economic analysis of wind energy potential in Kazakhstan
Authors: Pourasl Hamed H , Khojastehnezhad Vahid M
Published: March 2021

The use of renewable energy as a future energy source is attracting considerable research interest globally. In particular, there is a significant growth in wind energy utilization during the last few years. This present study through a detailed and systematic literature survey assesses the wind energy potential of Kazakhstan for the first time. Using the Weibull distribution function and hourly wind speed data, the annual power and energy density of the sites are calculated. For the 50 sites considered in this study and at a height of 10 m above the ground, the annual average wind speed, the power density, and energy production of Kazakhstan range from 0.94–5.15 m/s, 4.50–169.34 W/m2 and 39.56–1502.50 kWh/m2/yr, respectively. It was found that Fort Sevcenko, Atbasar, and Akmola are the three best locations for wind turbine installation with wind power densities of 169.34, 135.30, and 111.51 W/m2, respectively. Fort Sevcenko demonstrates the highest potential for wind energy harvesting with an energy density of 1483.46 kWh/m2/yr. For the 15 commercial wind turbines, it was observed that the annual energy production of the selected turbines ranges between 3.8 GWh/yr in Petropavlovsk to 15.4 GWh/yr in Fort Sevcenko among the top six locations. The lowest and highest capacity factors correspond to the same sites with the values of 29.21% and 58.66%, respectively. Overall, it is the intention of this study to constitute a database for the users and developers of wind power in Kazakhstan.
Integrated FDI/FTC approach for wind turbines using a LPV interval predictor subspace approach and virtual sensors/actuators
Authors: Chouiref Houda , Boussaid Boumedyen , Abdelkrim Mohamed Naceur , Puig Vicenç , Aubrun Christophe
Published: March 2021

In order to keep wind turbines connected and in operation at all times despite the occurrence of some faults, advanced fault detection and accommodation schemes are required. To achieve this goal, this paper proposes to use the Linear Parameter Varying approach to design an Active Fault Tolerant Control for wind turbines. This Active Fault Tolerant Control is integrated with a Fault Detection and Isolation approach. Fault detection is based on a Linear Parameter Varying interval predictor approach while fault isolation is based on analysing the residual fault signatures. To include fault-tolerance in the control system (already available in the considered wind turbine case study based on the well known SAFEPROCESS benchmark), the information of the Fault Detection and Isolation approach block is exploited and it is used in the implementation of a virtual actuator and sensor scheme. The proposed Active Fault Tolerant Control is evaluated using fault scenarios which are proposed in the wind turbine benchmark to assess its performance. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed Active Fault Tolerant Control approach in faulty situation.
3,5-Dimethoxy-4-hydroxy myricanol attenuated oxidative stress-induced toxicity on cardiomyoblast cells
Authors: Wang YL , Zhang Y , Liu T , Cui J
Published: March 2021

Myocardial ischemia is the main reason for ischemic heart diseases. Antioxidant treatment is considered as a possible approach to prevent myocardial ischemia injury, because oxidative stress is a key factor triggering it. This study was to investigate the protective effects of 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxy myricanol (DHM) against oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity on H9c2 cells and further explore its mechanisms. The oxidative stress and inflammatory response markers were detected by H2DCFDA fluorescent measurement, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time PCR and Western blot. Results showed DHM exerted inhibitory effects against H9c2 cell damage. Furthermore, DHM decreased oxidative stress in H9c2 cells through up-regulating protein expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2). Moreover, DHM inhibited inflammatory responses through down-regulating the protein expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). DHM exerted protective activities against oxidative stress-induced cell damage, at least through decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting inflammatory responses, indicating that DHM have the potential to be developed as therapeutic agents for the treatment of myocardial ischemia.