bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplement study update for Reach Out: a multi-arm randomized trial of behavioral interventions for hypertension initiated in the emergency department: Reach Out Cognition
Authors: Skolarus Lesli E. , Dinh Mackenzie , Kidwell Kelley M. , Farhan Zahera , Whitfield Candace , Levine Deborah A. , Meurer William J.
Published: November 2021

Background

Reach Out is a factorial trial studying multicomponent behavioral interventions to reduce blood pressure in hypertensive emergency department patients. The original study protocol was published in June 2020. Here, we describe the updated protocol, including a supplemental study, Reach Out Cognition. Reach Out Cognition is a remote study that will assess the acceptability, feasibility, and satisfaction of digital, self-administered cognitive assessments and Bluetooth-enabled, self-measured blood pressure monitoring in the Reach Out population. We will also estimate the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in Reach Out participants.

Methods

Reach Out Cognition includes remote enrollment and follow-up assessments. Reach Out Cognition extends Reach Out data collection past the current 12 months to 15 and 18 months. Participants will be Reach Out participants who complete their 12-month outcome assessments and opt to continue in the cohort study. Participants will continue to receive the Reach Out intervention, consisting of (1) daily healthy behavior text messaging and (2) weekly self-measured blood pressure monitoring. Blood pressure will be measured using Bluetooth-enabled self-measured blood pressure monitoring devices, and cognition will be measured using digital self-administered cognitive assessments at 12, 15, and 18 months.

Discussion

Reach Out Cognition will explore the potential of remote, digital, self-administered assessments of blood pressure and cognition among predominantly working-age Black Americans. Reach Out Cognition will inform future clinical trials and clinical remote monitoring of blood pressure and cognition that may lead to new approaches to treating and reducing hypertension and cognitive disparities.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03422718. The record was first available to the public on January 30, 2018, prior to the enrollment of patients on March 25, 2019.
Ultrasound-guided quadratus lumborum block for perioperative analgesia in robot-assisted partial nephrectomy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lai Renchun , Luo Quehua , Lai Jielan , Lu Xiaoyun , Xu Mei
Published: November 2021

Background

Recently, several case reports and limited randomized studies have shown that quadratus lumborum blocks (QLB) are effective in providing pain relief after intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal operations. Additionally, robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) has been proposed as a promising operative treatment for renal carcinoma because it enables early recovery and ambulation. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the analgesic and opioid-sparing effects of a single-injection QLB in patients undergoing RAPN to determine its role in an early recovery program.

Methods

Fifty-six patients undergoing elective RAPN under general anesthesia were randomized to two equally sized groups. Patients were randomly allocated to receive either a unilateral QLB (n = 28) with 0.375% bupivacaine 0.5 mL/kg (QLB group) or a conventional scheme (n = 28) (control group). The QLB technique, termed QLB2, was performed as first described by Blanco. The primary outcome was visual analog scale (VAS) scores with movement at 6 h postoperatively. The secondary endpoints were morphine consumption at different time periods after surgery, morphine-related side effects, and assessment of postoperative rehabilitation.

Results

Both the VAS pain scores and cumulative opioid consumption were significantly lower in the QLB group at 6 h after surgery as compared with results in the control group (all P < 0.05). There were significant differences in pain scores at all time points except at 4 h with movement and 48 h at rest. However, at 12–24 h no significant differences between the two groups were observed in cumulative opioid consumption or in the duration of PACU and hospital stays. The patient recovery scores were significantly higher in the QLB group.

Conclusions

Single-injection pre-emptive QLB applied to RAPN was effective and provided satisfactory analgesia and opioid-sparing effects in combination with typical patient-controlled analgesia. In addition, it may provide an effective technique for early recovery in the perioperative period for RAPN.
Bodybuilding, dietary supplements and hormones use: behaviour and determinant analysis in young bodybuilders
Authors: Montuori Paolo , Loperto Ilaria , Paolo Carmine , Castrianni Davide , Nubi Raffaele , De Rosa Elvira , Palladino Raffaele , Triassi Maria
Published: November 2021

Background

Among athletes, bodybuilders are more predisposed to the use of dietary supplements (DS) and hormones (H) to increase in adaptations to physical training and performance. The purpose of the study was to identify social, psychological, and organisational factors that are associated with the use of food supplements and hormones in young bodybuilders of the metropolitan area of Naples.

Methods

107 athletes, practicing bodybuilding, were consecutively recruited in 30 gyms, randomly selected in the metropolitan area of Naples. Athletes were administered an anonymous questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 5 sections (socio-demographic, frequency and reasons for bodybuilding, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours). Descriptive statistics were performed using T-test and Chi-square statistics. A score was created for knowledge, attitudes, behaviours. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed to assess association between each score and the use of DS and H. Statistical analyses were carried out using STATA 15.

Results

81.31% of the subjects reported to use DS while 35.51% H. Females are less likely to practise bodybuilding frequently than males (OR 0.18 (95% CI 0.05–0.69), p = 0.01). Subjects who have attended high school or university have a lower probability of taking DS (OR 0.17 (95% CI 0.04–0.65), p = 0.01). H users also use supplements more frequently (OR 61.21 (95% CI 3.99–939.31), p < 0.001). Those who scored higher on knowledge scores are more likely to take DS (OR 1.53 (95% CI 1.11–2.12), p < 0.001). Attitudes are correlated with the use of DS; those who scored higher were less likely to use DS (OR 0.77 (95% CI 0.30–0.98), p = 0.03). People who use DS are 30 times more likely to use H at the same time (OR 30.25 (95% CI 2.51–365.24), p < 0.001). Subjects who have a higher score for knowledge and attitudes are less likely to use H (OR 0.68 (95% CI 0.54–0.87), p < 0.001, OR 0.75 (95% CI 0.62–0.90), p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Prevalence of H and DS’ use, although lower than reported in the literature, is a worrying public health problem. Better knowledge can lead to an informed use. Gym instructors should be trained to provide accurate and scientifically sound information. Health professionals should combine their expertise to provide more comprehensive guidance to the exercisers.
Epigenetic modifications in thymic epithelial cells: an evolutionary perspective for thymus atrophy
Authors: Hu Cexun , Zhang Keyu , Jiang Feng , Wang Hui , Shao Qixiang
Published: November 2021

Background

The thymic microenvironment is mainly comprised of thymic epithelial cells, the cytokines, exosomes, surface molecules, and hormones from the cells, and plays a vital role in the development, differentiation, maturation and homeostasis of T lymphocytes. However, the thymus begins to degenerate as early as the second year of life and continues through aging in human beings, leading to a decreased output of naïve T cells, the limited TCR diversity and an expansion of monoclonal memory T cells in the periphery organs. These alternations will reduce the adaptive immune response to tumors and emerging infectious diseases, such as COVID-19, also it is easier to suffer from autoimmune diseases in older people. In the context of global aging, it is important to investigate and clarify the causes and mechanisms of thymus involution.

Main body

Epigenetics include histone modification, DNA methylation, non-coding RNA effects, and chromatin remodeling. In this review, we discuss how senescent thymic epithelial cells determine and control age-related thymic atrophy, how this process is altered by epigenetic modification. How the thymus adipose influences the dysfunctions of the thymic epithelial cells, and the prospects of targeting thymic epithelial cells for the treatment of thymus atrophy.

Conclusion

Epigenetic modifications are emerging as key regulators in governing the development and senescence of thymic epithelial cells. It is beneficial to re-establish effective thymopoiesis, identify the potential therapeutic strategy and rejuvenate the immune function in the elderly.
Friendship, kinship and social risk management strategies among pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Iyer Padmini
Published: November 2021

This paper describes risk-pooling friendships and other social networks among pastoralists in Karamoja, Uganda. Social networks are of critical importance for risk management in an environment marked by volatility and uncertainty. Risk management or risk pooling mainly takes the form of “stock friendships”: an informal insurance system in which men established mutually beneficial partnerships with unrelated or related individuals through livestock transfers in the form of gifts or loans. Friends accepted the obligation to assist each other during need, ranging from the time of marriage to times of distress. Anthropologists and economists claim that social networks are critical for recouping short-term losses such as food shortage, as well as for ensuring long-term sustainability through the building of social capital and rebuilding of herds. To this end, I present ethnographic data on friendship, kinship, and other networks among male and female pastoralists in Karamoja. Using qualitative and quantitative data on these relationships and norms of livestock transfers and other mutual aid, I show the enduring importance of social networks in the life of Karamoja’s pastoralists today. I also demonstrate how exchange networks were utilized by participants during a drought. On this basis, I argue that appreciating historical and traditional mechanisms of resilience among pastoralists is vital for designing community-based risk management projects. I discuss how traditional safety net systems have been used successfully by NGOs to assist pastoralists in the wake of disaster, and how the same can be done by harnessing risk-pooling friendships in Karamoja.
Trauma, loss and other psychosocial drivers of excessive alcohol consumption in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Iyer Padmini , Stites Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

This article investigates the trends, drivers and effects of alcohol consumption in Karamoja, a primarily pastoralist area of Uganda. Although locally brewed alcohol from sorghum and millet has an important and long-standing place in Karamojong tradition, the emerging trend of excessive consumption of hard liquor is a cause for concern among government and health officials, development practitioners and, especially, community members themselves. This article explores the varied reasons for this rise in hard liquor consumption, particularly in Karamoja’s post-disarmament period. The article is based on data collected in mid-2018, as well as information gleaned from the authors’ engagement in the region over the past decade. The peace and security ushered in by the disarmament exercises of the 2000s has, on the one hand, opened up the once isolated region politically and economically. Conversely, it has accelerated external interest in Karamoja’s economic wealth, leading to further disenfranchisement of its people due to dispossession of land. Emerging from the trauma of the disarmament exercise, the drastic loss of livestock and livelihoods and the continuing negligence of pastoralism by the state, Karamoja’s rural as well as peri-urban communities are undergoing a remarkable loss not only of their economic systems, but also of their socio-cultural identity. Acknowledging the specific trauma and loss experienced by individuals and communities provides a lens through which to better understand the excessive alcohol consumption. These psychosocial factors, along with the economic and political aspects, must be considered in efforts to address this continuing crisis in the region.
Approximation properties of a new family of Gamma operators and their applications
Authors: Özçelik Reyhan , Kara Emrah Evren , Usta Fuat , Ansari Khursheed J.
Published: November 2021

The present paper introduces a new modification of Gamma operators that protects polynomials in the sense of the Bohman–Korovkin theorem. In order to examine their approximation behaviours, the approximation properties of the newly introduced operators such as Voronovskaya-type theorems, rate of convergence, weighted approximation, and pointwise estimates are presented. Finally, we present some numerical examples to verify that the newly constructed operators are an approximation procedure.
Can touch this: training to correct police officer beliefs about overdose from incidental contact with fentanyl
Authors: del Pozo Brandon , Sightes Emily , Kang Sunyou , Goulka Jeremiah , Ray Bradley , Beletsky Leo A.
Published: November 2021

Misinformation about overdose risk from accidentally inhaling or touching fentanyl is widespread among police in the United States. This may aggravate already elevated burdens of officer stress and burnout, while chilling lifesaving overdose response. Police education has shown promise in reducing false beliefs about fentanyl. To better understand the potential of training interventions in correcting officer knowledge, we administered a 10-min online training with corrective messaging about occupational overdose risk from fentanyl contact to 204 police officers in Indiana. Overall, 129 officers (63%) completed baseline survey and 69 (34%) completed follow-up instrument. Using a 6-point Likert scale, we documented assent with the statement: “First responders who encounter fentanyl are at great risk of overdose by touching it or inhaling it.” At baseline, 79.8% expressed agreement, while 20.2% disagreed. At follow-up, 39.1% agreed, while 60.9% disagreed (p < .001). Baseline responses varied in that those officers without a college degree and those on patrol were more likely to report false beliefs. A brief online training intervention holds promise for correcting false beliefs about the risk of fentanyl overdose under circumstances commonly encountered by police.
The self-centered philanthropist: family involvement and corporate social responsibility in private enterprises
Authors: Zhu Bin
Published: November 2021

Although corporate social responsibility (CSR) has attracted increasing attention in recent years, systematic studies on the CSR of Chinese enterprises are absent from academic publications. This study examines the effects of family involvement in the CSR of private enterprises. Using private enterprise data in China, the article reveals that, on the one hand, family involvement will improve CSR investment toward community stakeholders; on the other hand, family involvement has a negative effect on the CSR of contractual stakeholders. With the influence of “chaxu geju,” the author argues that Chinese families tend to shift between different logics of behavior when faced with people with whom they have different types of relationships and incorporate this behavioral mode into company practices when they engage themselves in management and business affairs.
Conceptualising Rugby League Performance Within an Ecological Dynamics Framework: Providing Direction for Player Preparation and Development
Authors: Scott Tannath J. , Sanctuary Colin E. , Tredrea Matthew S. , Gray Adrian J.
Published: November 2021

Across team sports, it is critically important to appropriately define, evaluate and then aptly describe individual and team performance. This is of particular significance when we consider that performance models govern the direction of player preparation (short term) and development (long term) frameworks. Within the context of rugby league, this has traditionally been undertaken through hierarchical and linear processes. Such approaches have resulted in research and performance analysis techniques which aim to support these operational outcomes. Yet, these methods may deliver limited application on how or why match-play unfolds and therefore might be sub-optimal in providing insights to truly support coaches. In this paper, we propose the conceptualisation of rugby league performance through the lens of ecological dynamics, which may offer a different view to this traditional approach. We propose that this approach eliminates the silos of disciplinary information (e.g. technical, physical and medical) that may currently exist, allowing for a holistic approach to performance, preparation and development. Specifically, we consider that through the implementation of this ecological approach, all performance coaches (technical, physical and medical) may (co-)design learning environments that more collaboratively develop players for rugby league match-play. As a result, we put forward a new rugby league performance model from which preparation and development programs can be anchored toward. We conclude the paper by offering practical examples where these concepts are contextualised within the landscape familiar to practitioners working within rugby league.
Brazilian Society of Rheumatology 2020 guidelines for psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Carneiro Sueli , Palominos Penelope Esther , Anti Sônia Maria Alvarenga , Assad Rodrigo Luppino , Gonçalves Rafaela Silva Guimarães , Chiereghin Adriano , Lyrio Andre Marun , Ximenes Antônio Carlos , Saad Carla Gonçalves , Gonçalves Célio Roberto , Kohem Charles Lubianca , Marques Cláudia Diniz Lopes , Schainberg Cláudia Goldenstein , de Souza Meirelles Eduardo , Resende Gustavo Gomes , Pieruccetti Lenise Brandao , Keiserman Mauro Waldemar , Yazbek Michel Alexandre , Sampaio-Barros Percival Degrava , da Cruz Lage Ricardo , Bonfiglioli Rubens , Oliveira Thauana Luíza , Azevedo Valderílio Feijó , Bianchi Washington Alves , Bernardo Wanderley Marques , dos Santos Simões Ricardo , de Medeiros Pinheiro Marcelo , Campanholo Cristiano Barbosa
Published: November 2021

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a chronic and systemic immune disease characterized by inflammation of peripheral and/or axial joints and entheses in patients with psoriasis (PsO). Extra-articular and extracutaneous manifestations and numerous comorbidities can also be present. These recommendations replace the previous version published in May 2013. A systematic review of the literature retrieved 191 articles that were used to formulate 12 recommendations in response to 12 clinical questions, divided into 4 sections: diagnosis, non-pharmacological treatment, conventional drug therapy and biologic therapy. These guidelines provide evidence-based information on the clinical management for PsA patients. For each recommendation, the level of evidence (highest available), degree of strength (Oxford) and degree of expert agreement (interrater reliability) are reported.
Do automated breast ultrasound and tomosynthesis have an effective role in dense breast evaluation?
Authors: Ali Engy A. , Saeed Fatma , Adel Lamiaa
Published: November 2021

Background

Mammography plays a great role in reducing breast cancer mortality as it is the standard method of breast imaging and screening. But the accuracy of mammography performance reduces in cancer detection in women with dense breast due to the summation of images and overlapping of breast tissue. ABUS and tomosynthesis both recently help to detect breast cancer in dense breasted women. This prospective study was done in the female imaging unit and approved by its research and ethical committee; all the patients did an informed consent during the period from October 2018 to March 2019. The study was conducted on 38 patients with 38 lesions subjected to digital mammography, tomosynthesis and automated breast ultrasound (ABUS), who all had dense breast in mammography.

Results

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) showed 100% in all sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) as well as accuracy, while the digital mammography tomosynthesis showed 100% in specificity, 87.5% in sensitivity, 100% in PPV, 82.4% in NPV and 92.1% accuracy.

Conclusion

Automated breast ultrasound (ABUS) together with tomosynthesis makes a revolution in breast screening and detecting cancer in women with dense breasts.
Pharmacoscintigraphic evaluation and antidiabetic efficacy of gliclazide-loaded 99mTc-labelled mucoadhesive microspheres
Authors: Bordoloi Ripunjoy , Ahmed Abdul Baquee , Bhattacharya Kunal
Published: November 2021

Background

The current study was carried out to evaluate the possible application of Musa balbisiana starch in formulation of mucoadhesive microsphere for oral delivery of gliclazide (GLZ). The study objective was to improve the oral bioavailability along with prolongation of its duration of action for a better glycaemic control. Ionic gelation technique was employed in formulating the dosage form. Optimization of the batches was carried out by response surface methodology using 32 full factorial designs. The microsphere prepared was characterized for several parameters along with its in vitro release study. The gastrointestinal transit of the optimized batch of prepared microspheres after oral administration was studied in rabbits by using the gamma scintigraphy technique utilizing 99mTc as the labelling agent in the presence of stannous chloride. Also, the optimized batch was studied for its pharmacokinetic parameters. Moreover, the antidiabetic efficacy of the prepared microsphere was evaluated in rats by using the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic model.

Results

The factorial design experiment resulted in an optimum formulation coded as F8. The compatible nature of the drug and excipient was revealed from FTIR, DSC and IST studies. The scanning electron micrographs also showed the occurrence of spherical microspheres having a smooth surface. The in vitro release study provided an evidence of an initial burst effect that was followed by a prolong release phase. The pharmacokinetic parameters justified the ability of the prepared dosage form in sustaining the drug release with a 2.7-fold enhancement in drug bioavailability. The images obtained during the gamma scintigraphy study suggested the gastro-retentive nature of the dosage form with the gastro-retentive ability for more than 4 h. Also, the pharmacodynamics study carried out in diabetic rat model confirmed about the better efficacy of the dosage form in lowering the elevated blood glucose level.

Conclusion

The overall study data provide valuable information about the potential of this banana starch in formulation of a mucoadhesive dosage form that can be used for enhancement of bioavailability of drug-like gliclazide which in turn can provide a beneficial effect in the management of diabetes.
Trends in training progression: response to the study by Silkens et al
Authors: Curtis Vivienne , Lovett Kate
Published: November 2021

Recruitment and retention are of major concern to all in medicine. Improvement in recruitment to UK speciality training programmes does not directly translate into senior workforce capacity, which remains dependent on trainee progression. In 2021, Silkens et al undertook a mixed-methods study to investigate this and described a trainee-driven shift away from conventional training pathways and expectations. These findings suggest a need for a broad change in approach to careers, underpinned by commitment to reducing differential attainment, acknowledgment that trainees may have a range of unique needs, and development of a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion.
Circulating Tumor DNA Profiling From Breast Cancer Screening Through to Metastatic Disease
Authors: Page Karen , Martinson Luke J. , Fernandez-Garcia Daniel , Hills Allison , Gleason Kelly L. T. , Gray Molly C. , Rushton Amelia J. , Nteliopoulos Georgios , Hastings Robert K. , Goddard Kate , Ions Charlotte , Parmar Vilas , Primrose Lindsay , Openshaw Mark R. , Guttery David S. , Palmieri Carlo , Ali Simak , Stebbing Justin , Coombes R. Charles , Shaw Jacqueline A.
Published: November 2021

PURPOSE

We investigated the utility of the Oncomine Breast cfDNA Assay for detecting circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in women from a breast screening population, including healthy women with no abnormality detected by mammogram, and women on follow-up through to advanced breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood samples were taken from 373 women (127 healthy controls recruited through breast screening, 28 ductal carcinoma in situ, 60 primary breast cancers, 47 primary breast cancer on follow-up, and 111 metastatic breast cancers [MBC]) to recover plasma and germline DNA for analysis with the Oncomine Breast cfDNA Assay on the Ion S5 platform.

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen of 373 plasma samples had one or more somatic variants detected across eight of the 10 genes and were called ctDNA-positive; MBC had the highest proportion of ctDNA-positive samples (61; 55%) and healthy controls the lowest (20; 15.7%). ESR1, TP53, and PIK3CA mutations account for 93% of all variants detected and predict poor overall survival in MBC (hazard ratio = 3.461; 95% CI, 1.866 to 6.42; P = .001). Patients with MBC had higher plasma cell-free DNA levels, higher variant allele frequencies, and more polyclonal variants, notably in ESR1 than in all other groups. Only 15 individuals had evidence of potential clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential mutations.

CONCLUSION

We were able detect ctDNA across the breast cancer spectrum, notably in MBC where variants in ESR1, TP53, and PIK3CA predicted poor overall survival. The assay could be used to monitor emergence of resistance mutations such as in ESR1 that herald resistance to aromatase inhibitors to tailor adjuvant therapies. However, we suggest caution is needed when interpreting results from a single plasma sample as variants were also detected in a small proportion of HCs.
Sanitary Passports and the Birth of the Immunized Self
Authors: Abi-Rached Joelle M.
Published: November 2021

This article sketches a short history of the Covid-19 passport by examining its earlier iterations, including the “sanitary passport” (passeport sanitaire), an epidemiological tool officially introduced on the global stage by the French delegation during the 1893 International Sanitary Conference in Dresden. The sanitary passport shares with the Covid-19 passport two features. First, a similar aim, that of controlling the movement of potentially infected individuals across borders. Second, a similar condition of possibility, that of being the product of a pandemic crisis. The article identifies key characteristics as well as departures with the reinvention of the Covid-19 vaccine or immunity passport. The paper also situates the birth of the sanitary passport within a security context of increasing use of national passports as a means for the continuous surveillance of criminals and vagabonds as well as a scientific context marked by a key mutation: the birth of the immunized self.
Minorities Treaties and Mandatory Regimes
Authors: Robson Laura
Published: November 2021

The post–World War I treaties of Versailles, Sèvres, and Lausanne collectively created two related frames for ongoing Allied control over unreliable territory: a system of “minority protection” in the new and fragile states of eastern Europe, and a neocolonial regime of externally monitored “mandates” in the Mashriq and elsewhere, with both systems falling under the jurisdiction of the newly constructed League of Nations based in Geneva. This article explores how the architects of the peace agreements developed the concepts of minority rights and mandatory responsibilities in conjunction, as a way of codifying, formalizing, and legitimizing restrictions on sovereignty along immovable racial lines.
The Place of Political Membership
Authors: Rodrigues Shaunna
Published: November 2021

This article argues that Abul Kalam Azad, one of India's most prominent anticolonial thinkers, was critical of nationalism because of its emphasis on circumscribing a political community with territorial borders. Instead, he conceived of India as a place, and he used this conception of place as the grounds for an alternative frame of the political. For Azad, place indicated a point of equilibrium between conceptions of nationalism, particularly as a form of anticolonialism, and universal ideas of humanity (insāniyyat), and the earth as its common inheritance (arẓiyyat). Connecting the idea of place to that of self-knowledge, this article examines how Azad laid the grounds for membership in a locality where particular identities gathered to form a general consciousness of common life. In doing so, it argues that he developed a potent normative idea that remains relevant to repetitive contentions of the political membership of Muslims in India and elsewhere.
Within the Whirlwind of the Encounter
Authors: Juarez Kristin
Published: November 2021

In this interview with Okwui Okpokwasili, Kristin Juarez and the artist discuss Okpokwasili's iterative practice Sitting On a Man's Head as it took shape during her exhibition Utterances from the Chorus at Danspace Project (New York, New York) in 2020. Inspired by a form of Igbo women's protest called “sitting on a man,” Okpokwasili elaborates on the ways she utilizes slowness to generate somatic experiments in sociality. As they discuss the impact of slowness on the voice and body, Okpokwasili and Juarez consider the possibilities within the tremble and Juarez's notion of the trembling archive. Thinking with Saidiya Hartman's elaboration of the chorus, Okpokwasili's practice offers consideration of the archive as tremulous, in which fragments of imagination and memory cannot be disentangled. As she draws on an unruly lineage of embodied protest practices, the artist discusses the relationship between aesthetic forms and social formation. The interview also offers insight into Okpokwasili's ongoing conversations with Ralph Lemon, Asiya Wadud, and Tina Campt.
“There Is No Form in the Middle”
Authors: Raengo Alessandra , Cramer Lauren McLeod
Published: November 2021

Across his vast body of multimedia art, Kevin Jerome Everson pursues sophisticated formal exercises that deploy representational devices with the aim of achieving “massive abstractions.” Focusing on the sculptural potential of film as a time-based medium, Everson crafts his films as sculptural objects. It is a process that works toward a point of critical density in which time's material effects on a space, a body, or the screen are rendered visible. In order to reach this point, Everson has developed a rigorous practice that includes casting his own solid rubber props, carefully choreographing films that repeat formal and bodily gestures, and making oblique references to cinematic history and its foundational relationship to factory labor. In this interview the liquid blackness editors speak with Everson about his “massive” creative project; its pursuit of layered self- referentiality; the work's sheer size (measured in labor hours, custom props molded, and film titles); his fine art training; artistry as the mastery of craft; the high art of Richard Pryor; his hesitant, delicate approach to blackness; and the possibility of a midwestern, or specifically Mansfield, Ohio, artistic sensibility.
Methodological Reconciliation of CP and MLSS and Their Agreement with the Maximal Metabolic Steady State
Authors: Iannetta Danilo , Ingram Christina P. , Keir Daniel A. , Murias Juan M.
Published: November 2021

The critical power (CP) and maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) are operational surrogates of the maximal metabolic steady state (MMSS). However, their concordance and their agreement with MMSS remain variable likely because of methodological factors.

Purpose

This study aimed to compare the concordance between CP and MLSS estimated by various models and criteria and their agreement with MMSS.

Methods

After a ramp test, 10 recreationally active males performed four to five severe-intensity constant-power output (PO) trials to estimate CP and three to four constant-PO trials to determine MLSS and identify MMSS. CP was computed using the three-parameter hyperbolic (CP3-hyp), two-parameter hyperbolic (CP2-hyp), linear (CPlin), and inverse of time (CP1/Tlim) models. In addition, the model with the lowest combined parameter error identified the “best-fit” CP (CPbest-fit). MLSS was determined as an increase in blood lactate concentration ≤1 mM during constant-PO cycling from the 5th (MLSS5–30), 10th (MLSS10–30), 15th (MLSS15–30), 20th (MLSS20–30), or 25th (MLSS25–30) to 30th minute. MMSS was identified as the greatest PO associated with the highest submaximal steady-state V˙O2 (MV˙O2ss).

Results

Concordance between the various CP and MLSS estimates was greatest when MLSS was identified as MLSS15–30, MLSS20–30, and MLSS25–30. The PO at MV˙O2ss was 243 ± 43 W. Of the various CP models and MLSS criteria, CP2-hyp (244 ± 46 W) and CPlin (248 ± 46 W) and MLSS15–30 and MLSS20–30 (both 245 ± 46 W), respectively, displayed, on average, the greatest agreement with MV˙O2ss. Nevertheless, all CP models and MLSS criteria demonstrated some degree of inaccuracies with respect to MV˙O2ss.

Conclusions

Differences between CP and MLSS can be reconciled with optimal methods of determination. When estimating MMSS, from CP the error margin of the model estimate should be considered. For MLSS, MLSS15–30 and MLSS20–30 demonstrated the highest degree of accuracy.
Crowd density estimation using deep learning for Hajj pilgrimage video analytics
Authors: BHUIYAN MD ROMAN , Abdullah Dr Junaidi , Hashim Dr Noramiza , Farid Fahmid Al , Uddin Dr Jia , Abdullah Norra , Samsudin Dr Mohd Ali
Published: November 2021

Background: This paper focuses on advances in crowd control study with an emphasis on high-density crowds, particularly Hajj crowds. Video analysis and visual surveillance have been of increasing importance in order to enhance the safety and security of pilgrimages in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Hajj is considered to be a particularly distinctive event, with hundreds of thousands of people gathering in a small space, which does not allow a precise analysis of video footage using advanced video and computer vision algorithms. This paper aims to propose an algorithm based on a Convolutional Neural Networks model specifically for Hajj applications. Additionally, the work introduces a system for counting and then estimating the crowd density.

Methods: The model adopts an architecture which detects each person in the crowd, spots head location with a bounding box and does the counting in our own novel dataset (HAJJ-Crowd).

Results: Our algorithm outperforms the state-of-the-art method, and attains a remarkable Mean Absolute Error result of 200 (average of 82.0 improvement) and Mean Square Error of 240 (average of 135.54 improvement).

Conclusions: In our new HAJJ-Crowd dataset for evaluation and testing, we have a density map and prediction results of some standard methods.
Design of Unlicensed Dual Band Quasi-Yagi Antenna Using Semi-Bowtie for Indoor Wireless Power Transfer Application
Authors:   School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang 14300, Malaysia, Abdullah Mohd Hezri , Marzuki Arjuna , Mustaffa Mohd Tafir
Published: November 2021

This paper focuses on antenna for harvesting energy from a dedicated transmitter. The potential novel quasi-Yagi antenna with semi-bowtie driven element can be used as part of rectenna due to its characteristic of having directional properties and considerably wide bandwidth covering the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band consists of 863-870 MHz band and 902-928 MHz band. The modified quasi-Yagi is designed on a low-cost FR4 substrate with a physical size of 130 x 100 mm2 equivalent to 0.35λo x 0.27λo. The antenna has a peak directivity of 2.7 dBi and peak gain of 2.2 dBi in the targeted unlicensed bands with bandwidth of 14.4% for the range between 0.820-0.944 GHz. The shift in the resonant frequency is achieved by varying the phase shifter length and maintaining the same width for consistency. The antenna's operating frequency range varies between 0.8 GHz until 1 GHz which is less than 1 GHz by using semi-bowtie as driven element with a specific 7.22⸰ flare angle. The phase shift arm length of the antenna has been studied and simulated by using Computer Simulation Technology (CST) software and verified by using analytical equations. The simulated results are in accordance with the results obtained using analytical method. The same antenna geometry except variation in phase shifter arm length has been used throughout the study for consistency. The proposed antenna is promising to be used as part of rectenna for powering power management chip such as BQ25570 in a smart house environment operating at the indicated ISM bands.
Design and Simulation of Optimal Number of Small Cells Deployment in Fourth-Generation Cellular Networks
Authors:   Middle Technical University, Electrical Engineering Technical College, Baghdad, Iraq, Shujaa Mohamed Ibrahim , Mohammed Nada Qasim , Ibrahim Moustafa K. , Hussein Qasim Mohammed
Published: November 2021

In next-generation of wireless communication systems, Fifth-Generation (5G), small cells deployment is one of the most important issues that must be taking in the account. This paper discusses this issue in three aspects. First, it aims to derive the Critical Handover Location (CHL) point for neighbouring wireless stations which in turn is considered an entrance to the second aspect of this work that decides the small cell placement in one network. Finally, the work proposed a new approach to evaluating the Number of Small Cells (NRS) deployment mathematically. The proposed approach provides the balance in resources allocation in the network in terms of transmitted power of each small cell and their placement in order to provide maximum capacity and coverage area with a lower level of interference between nearest wireless stations thus decreasing the total cost of network insulation.
Guía sobre la diversidad sexual y la identidad de género en la Universidad de Sevilla
Authors: López Corlett Sara , Di Marco Donatella , Arenas Moreno Alicia
Published: November 2021

Esta guía va dirigida a la comunidad universitaria y personas dedicadas a la gestión de la diversidd en la educación superior pretendiendo servir como recurso de orientación en asuntos de diversidad sexual y de género. Comienza clarificando los conceptos de sexo, género, expresión de género y orientación sexual para dar a conocer al/la lector/a qué son, cómo interactúan entre sí, en qué se diferencian y cuál es su relación con la manera en la que las personas se sienten y en la que se relacionan. En segundo lugar, hace una breve descripción de algunas de las situaciones que puede vivir el alumnado como consecuencia de su identidad de género y/o orientación sexual y las limitaciones con las que se pueden encontrar en la Universidad, así como las preocupaciones y experiencias del PAS y PDI. Esta sección incluye algunas citas para ilustrar la experiencia del alumnado que, aunque no pertenecen a la Universidad de Sevilla, sus experiencias pueden ser parecidas en cualquier ámbito educativo. Después se describen iniciativas que se pueden promover, desde el trato entre personal y alumnado hasta las acciones por parte de la institución para crear un entorno más inclusivo, introduciendo previamente el marco legal de referencia. La guía concluye llamando a la necesidad de promover buenas prácticas capaces de prevenir situaciones negativas y discriminatorias en la Universidad.
Network Models for Multiobjective Discrete Optimization
Authors: Bergman David , Bodur Merve , Cardonha Carlos , Cire Andre A.
Published: November 2021

This paper provides a novel framework for solving multiobjective discrete optimization problems with an arbitrary number of objectives. Our framework represents these problems as network models, in that enumerating the Pareto frontier amounts to solving a multicriteria shortest-path problem in an auxiliary network. We design techniques for exploiting network models in order to accelerate the identification of the Pareto frontier, most notably a number of operations to simplify the network by removing nodes and arcs while preserving the set of nondominated solutions. We show that the proposed framework yields orders-of-magnitude performance improvements over existing state-of-the-art algorithms on five problem classes containing both linear and nonlinear objective functions.

Summary of Contribution: Multiobjective optimization has a long history of research with applications in several domains. Our paper provides an alternative modeling and solution approach for multiobjective discrete optimization problems by leveraging graphical structures. Specifically, we encode the decision space of a problem as a layered network and propose graph reduction operators to preserve only solutions whose image are part of the Pareto frontier. The nondominated solutions can then be extracted through shortest-path algorithms on such a network. Numerical results comparing our method with state-of-the-art approaches on several problem classes, including the knapsack, set covering, and the traveling salesperson problem (TSP), suggest orders-of-magnitude runtime speed-ups for exactly enumerating the Pareto frontier, especially when the number of objective functions grows.
Predicting Stages in Omnichannel Path to Purchase: A Deep Learning Model
Authors: Sun Chenshuo , Adamopoulos Panagiotis , Ghose Anindya , Luo Xueming
Published: November 2021

The proliferation of omnichannel practices and emerging technologies opens up new opportunities for companies to collect voluminous data across multiple channels. This study examines whether leveraging omnichannel data can lead to, statistically and economically, significantly better predictions on consumers’ online path-to-purchase journeys, given the intrinsic fluidity in and heterogeneity brought forth by digital transformation of traditional marketing. Using an omnichannel data set that captures consumers’ online behavior in terms of their website browsing trajectories and their offline behavior in terms of physical location trajectories, we predict consumers’ future path-to-purchase journeys based on their historical omnichannel behaviors. Using a state-of-the-art deep-learning algorithm, we find that using omnichannel data can significantly improve our model’s predictive power. This enhanced predictive power benefits various heterogeneous online firms, regardless of their size, offline presence, mobile app availability, or whether they are selling single- or multi-category products. Using an illustrative example of targeted marketing, we further quantify the economic value of the improved predictive power and the value of data.
Optimal Short-Termism
Authors: Hackbarth Dirk , Rivera Alejandro , Wong Tak-Yuen
Published: November 2021

This paper develops a dynamic contracting (multitasking) model of a levered firm. In particular, the manager selects long-term and short-term efforts, and shareholders choose optimal debt and default policies. Excessive short-termism ex post is optimal for shareholders because debt has an asymmetric effect: shareholders receive all gains from short-term effort but share gains from long-term effort. We find that grim growth prospects and shareholder impatience imply higher optimal levels of short-termism. Also, an incentive cost effect and a real option effect create nontrivial patterns for the endogenous default threshold. Finally, we quantify agency costs of excessive short-termism, which underscore the economic significance of our results.

This paper was accepted by Gustavo Manso, finance.
The Effectiveness of a Flipped Classroom Strategy in Developing Grammatical Concepts Among Fifth Grade Primary School Students
Authors: Khasawneh Najwa Ahmad Saleem
Published: November 2021

The current study explored the potential effect of using the flipped class strategy in developing grammatical concepts among fifth-grade primary school students in Irbid, Jordan during the academic year 2019/2020. The study followed the quasi-experimental design, which was applied to a sample of 52 female students, who were divided into a control and an experimental group. The control was taught traditionally and the experimental group was taught grammar through using a flipped classroom strategy respectively. The study developed a list of suitable grammatical concepts for the study sample and a test to measure the Arabic grammatical concepts: declension, case marking, case ending, representation in a sentence, and extraction. After performing the appropriate statistical analysis, the results of the study showed the presence of significant differences between the experimental and the control groups in all grammatical concepts in favor of the experimental group. The researcher recommended applying the flipped class strategy in teaching the grammatical concepts for female fifth graders.
Communication Barriers in the Context of School-Parents Cooperation
Authors: Gokalp Serkan , Akbasli Sait , Dis Okan
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the present study was to determine the communication barriers, the reasons and results of these barriers, and solution proposals for communication barriers faced in the context of school-parents cooperation. The case study was used in this study. The data obtained from the interview forms were analysed according to the method of descriptive analysis. The findings were presented in the form of themes and subthemes. The study group consisted of 42 teachers working in the central districts of Erzurum in the 2019-2020 academic years. According to the research results, the participants think that communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to parents and to teachers. Most of the participants express the reasons for communication barriers resulting from parents while some of the participants express the reasons for communication barriers resulting from teachers. Participants think that the results of communication barriers faced in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to students, school administrators, parents and teacher. Most of the participants think that results of communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to students while the other participants think that results of communication barriers in the context of school-parents cooperation are related to school administrators, parents and teachers. Most of the participants propose solutions for communication barriers related to teachers while other participants propose solutions for communication barriers related to school administrators and parents.