bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of nighttime EEG slow‐wave activity during dexmedetomidine infusion in patients with hyperactive ICU delirium: An observational pilot study
Authors: Ala‐Kokko Tero , Erikson Kristo , Koskenkari Juha , Laurila Jouko , Kortelainen Jukka
Published: August 2022

Background

The disturbance of sleep has been associated with intensive care unit (ICU) delirium. Monitoring of EEG slow‐wave activity (SWA) has potential in measuring sleep quality and quantity. We investigated the quantitative monitoring of nighttime SWA and its association with the clinical evaluation of sleep in patients with hyperactive ICU delirium treated with dexmedetomidine.

Methods

We performed overnight EEG recordings in 15 patients diagnosed with hyperactive delirium during moderate dexmedetomidine sedation. SWA was evaluated by offline calculation of the C‐Trend Index, describing SWA in one parameter ranging 0 to 100 in values. Average and percentage of SWA values <50 were categorized as poor. The sleep quality and depth was clinically evaluated by the bedside nurse using the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ) with scores <70 categorized as poor.

Results

Nighttime SWA revealed individual sleep structures and fundamental variation between patients. SWA was poor in 67%, sleep quality (RCSQ) in 67%, and sleep depth (RCSQ) in 60% of the patients. The category of SWA aligned with that of RCSQ‐based sleep quality in 87% and RCSQ‐based sleep depth in 67% of the patients.

Conclusion

Both, SWA and clinical evaluation suggested that the quality and depth of nighttime sleep were poor in most patients with hyperactive delirium despite dexmedetomidine infusion. Furthermore, the SWA and clinical evaluation classifications were not uniformly in agreement. An objective mode such as practical EEG‐based solution for sleep evaluation and individual drug dosing in the ICU setting could offer potential in improving sleep for patients with delirium.
Anatomo‐comparative study of formaldehyde, alcohol, and saturated salt solution as fixatives in Wistar rat brains
Authors: Martins‐Costa Camila , Nunes Thauane Carvalho , Anjos‐Ramos Luana dos
Published: August 2022

Although formaldehyde is the most widely used and largely available fixative for preserving cadavers through decomposition prevention, it promotes darkening and weight gain, in addition to being considered carcinogenic. Ethyl alcohol has been proven a potential substitute to formaldehyde due to its effectiveness in tissue penetration, thus preventing proliferation of microorganisms; however, it can only be used alone for fixation of small parts. In view of such fixatives limitations, saturated salt solution has been widely employed based on its antimicrobial effect and ability to maintain tissue similar to the original one, in addition to exerting no hazardous effects as there is no evaporation of harmful substances. This research aimed to observe anatomical brain behaviour submitted to formaldehyde, alcohol, and saturated salt solution as fixatives. Fixatives were tested in 15 adult Wistar rats’ brain, submerged in 10 ml of intended solution after removal for 4 weeks. Weight of the brains fixed in saturated salt did not change over the weeks. However, the weight of formaldehyde‐fixed brains increased and the weight in alcohol‐fixed brains decreased; in addition, modifications in all solutions measures were also observed. Alcohol provides a peculiar dehydrating effect as formaldehyde clearly increases the length of the pieces. Thus, since the saturated salt solution showed no important adjustment over the experimental time, it proved an efficient alternative for replacing formaldehyde and alcohol as fixative solutions of anatomical study of the brain.
Circ_0077109 sponges miR‐139‐5p and upregulates HOXD10 in trophoblast cells as potential mechanism for preeclampsia progression
Authors: Zhang Liping , Liu Mengxu
Published: August 2022

Background

One of the important reasons for the development of preeclampsia (PE) is the abnormal function of trophoblast cells. Many circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been confirmed to participate in the regulation of trophoblast cell function to mediate PE progression. However, whether circ_0077109 is involved in PE progression through regulating trophoblast cell function remains unclear.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time PCR was utilized for measuring the expression of circ_0077109, microRNA (miR)‐139‐5p and homeobox D10 (HOXD10). Trophoblast cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and angiogenesis was assessed cell counting kit 8 assay, EdU assay, flow cytometry, transwell assay and tube formation assay. In addition, western blot analysis was used to determine protein expression. The interaction between miR‐139‐5p and circ_0077109 or HOXD10 was verified by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay.

Results

Our results pointed out that circ_0077109 was a circRNA with upregulated expression in PE patients. Overexpression of circ_0077109 suppressed trophoblast cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis, while increased apoptosis. MiR‐139‐5p was found to be sponged by circ_0077109, and its mimic reversed the suppressive effect of circ_0077109 on trophoblast cell function. HOXD10 was a target of miR‐139‐5p, and its overexpression inhibited trophoblast cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. MiR‐139‐5p inhibitor could repress trophoblast cell function, while this effect could be reversed by HOXD10 knockdown.

Conclusion

In summary, we confirmed that circ_0077109 inhibited trophoblast cell function through the regulation of miR‐139‐5p/HOXD10 axis, which might be a potential target for PE treatment.
Crowd Cohesion and Protest Outcomes
Authors: Mueller Lisa
Published: August 2022

Amidst an unprecedented swell in global protest, scholars and activists wrestle with the question of why protests succeed or fail. I explore a new answer: more cohesive crowds, where protesters agree on their demands, are more likely to win concessions than less cohesive crowds. Drawing on psychology and linguistics, I theorize that cohesive demands are more comprehensible and thus persuasive. I test this theory with a multimethod approach. First, I use cross‐national data from 97 protests to estimate the relationship between crowd cohesion and subsequent concessions, applying natural language processing to measure cohesion in participants’ self‐reported motivations. Second, a survey experiment in South Africa tests the causal effects of crowd cohesion and assesses comprehensibility of demands as the mechanism driving concessions. Third, case studies of two British protests demonstrate the theory in real‐world settings. My findings suggest that activists can improve their odds of success by coordinating around a common goal.
Light or Fire? Frederick Douglass and the Orator's Dilemma
Authors: Hawley Michael C.
Published: August 2022

Most scholarship on political rhetoric views it as an exercise in changing the minds of an audience. However, we see numerous examples of political speech aimed at those who already agree with the speaker, to motivate them to act on judgments they have already made. This kind of discourse is often dismissed as pandering, or the “red meat” rabble‐rousing that contributes to polarization. I draw upon Frederick Douglass to render a more complete account of this speech, which I term “hortatory rhetoric.” Douglass draws upon the prophetic tradition of Black Christian preaching to develop an alternative for when persuasion has reached its limit. This kind of speech raises a set of normative difficulties that differ from those raised by the rhetoric of persuasion, which Douglass helps us to think through. He provides a framework for understanding when it might be permissible or even desirable to abandon persuasion for exhortation.
Dimension Reduction for Integrative Survival Analysis
Authors: Molstad Aaron J. , Patra Rohit K.
Published: August 2022

We propose a constrained maximum partial likelihood estimator for dimension reduction in integrative (e.g., pan-cancer) survival analysis with high-dimensional predictors. We assume that for each population in the study, the hazard function follows a distinct Cox proportional hazards model. To borrow information across populations, we assume that each of the hazard functions depend only on a small number of linear combinations of the predictors (i.e., “factors”). We estimate these linear combinations using an algorithm based on “distance-to-set” penalties. This allows us to impose both low-rankness and sparsity on the regression coefficient matrix estimator. We derive asymptotic results that reveal that our estimator is more efficient than fitting a separate proportional hazards model for each population. Numerical experiments suggest that our method outperforms competitors under various data generating models. We use our method to perform a pan-cancer survival analysis relating protein expression to survival across 18 distinct cancer types. Our approach identifies six linear combinations, depending on only 20 proteins, which explain survival across the cancer types. Finally, to validate our fitted model, we show that our estimated factors can lead to better prediction than competitors on four external datasets.
The many faces of knowledge: Do science and traditional ecological knowledge coexist in federal assessments?
Authors: Beaulieu‐Guay Louis‐Robert
Published: August 2022

Traditional Ecological Knowledge is officially recognized as a legitimate source of information when legislating on wildlife management at the federal level. This study assesses the extent to which this kind of information is mobilized by administrators when writing regulations. Analyzing the use of traditional knowledge in classifying endangered species shows that although Indigenous individuals and organizations are systematically consulted, traditional knowledge is rarely a factor in impact assessments. However, for scientific examinations conducted before these regulatory impact assessments, traditional ecological knowledge does appear to be considered a reliable source of information, even if it is not widely used.
The mediating role of social capital in socioeconomic inequalities of oral health behaviours among Brazilian older adults
Authors: do Amaral Júnior Orlando Luiz , Fagundes Maria Laura Braccini , Menegazzo Gabriele Rissotto , do Amaral Giordani Jessye Melgarejo
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Knowledge of the possible pathways linking socioeconomic status (SES) to oral health‐related behaviours can improve the understanding of inequalities in oral health. Therefore, in this study, it was investigated whether social capital mediates the relationship between SES and oral health behaviours.

Methods

Through a cross‐sectional study, data were analysed from participants aged ≥60 years from the Brazilian National Health Survey 2019 (n = 21 575). Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect pathways from a latent variable for SES to a latent variable for oral health behaviours: daily flossing, toothbrushing frequency and the use of dental care services.

Results

The maximum likelihood estimator was used for complex samples with robust standard errors, and the final model demonstrated an adequate fit. The findings demonstrated that a higher SES was directly associated with better oral health‐related behaviours (standardized coefficient [SC]: 0.82; [90% CI: 0.78–0.85]) and indirectly via structural social capital (SC: 0.05; [90% CI: 0.02–0.07]). The total effect of SES on oral health‐related behaviours was (SC: 0.87, [90% CI: 0.85–0.89]).

Conclusion

The findings demonstrate that structural social capital in older Brazilian adults might partly mediate the pathways to socioeconomic inequalities in oral health behaviours. However, there is a direct effect on oral health behaviours, reinforcing the hypothesis that SES is associated with oral health, based on paths that link income inequality to oral health.
Perceived experiences of racism linked to dental fear and anxiety among Black women
Authors: Heaton Brenda , Bond Julia C. , Bae Jaeyoung , Cozier Yvette
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Dental fear and anxiety are known determinants of delaying or avoiding dental care and vary considerably based on factors such as age and gender. However, little is known about dental fear and anxiety in racial/ethnic minority populations, which bear a disproportionate burden of poor oral health outcomes. Structural and social pathways responsible for producing these disparities are also understudied. Experiences of racism over the lifecourse may contribute to poor oral health outcomes through a pathway of dental fear and anxiety. This paper aimed to evaluate perceived experiences with racism, dental fear and anxiety, and the utilization of dental services, in the Black Women's Health Study (BWHS), a United States‐based prospective cohort.

Methods

Analysis of prospective data obtained from a geographic subset of participants in the BWHS was conducted. In 2014, BWHS participants residing in Massachusetts responded to a mailed oral health questionnaire that included the Index of Dental Anxiety and Fear (IDAF‐4C+) instrument (N = 484; 69% response rate). Previously collected demographic and health information, along with reported experiences of everyday and lifetime racism, obtained from national BWHS questionnaires between 1995 and 2009, were merged with the Massachusetts‐based sub‐sample. Associations between high dental anxiety (HDA) (mean IDAF‐4C+ score ≥2.5 on the dental fear and anxiety module) and oral health outcomes and perceived racism and HDA were explored via prevalence ratios (PR) calculated using log‐binomial regression models, including adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Reported exposures to everyday racism occurred weekly on average for the top 25% of the sample, while 13% of participants reported exposure to multiple (n = 3) experiences of unfair treatment due to their race over their lifetime. HDA was prevalent among 17.8% of the sample and was significantly associated with indicators of poor oral health status. High exposures to everyday and lifetime experiences of racism were positively associated with HDA (PR = 1.08; 95% CI: 0.90, 1.58 and PR = 1.72; 95% CI: 1.03, 2.88, respectively).

Conclusions

Significant associations between racism and HDA, and between HDA and poor oral health and reduced utilization of dental care were observed. Dental anxiety may be a pathway through which perceived experiences with racism may impact oral health outcomes.
Talking about cancer: Patient responses to raising awareness of oral cancer in primary dental care
Authors: Scott Suzanne E. , Bruj Geanina , Beheshti Shahryar , Evans Ruth , Awojobi Oluwatunmise
Published: August 2022

Objectives

Dentists and other members of the dental team could raise awareness by talking about oral cancer during routine dental check‐ups. A communication guide has been developed to facilitate this. However, it has been suggested that discussions about oral cancer may raise patients' anxiety and this has been documented by dentists as a barrier to having these conversations. The current research aimed to investigate implementation of the communication guide and its impact on the dental patient.

Methods

A consecutive‐case sample of adult dental patients attending primary dental care for a routine NHS check‐up at one dental practice were invited to take part in the study via letter prior to their appointment. Consultations of participating patients (n = 77) were audio‐recorded. Before and after their appointment, patients were asked to rate their current anxiety via the six‐item version of Spielberger's State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory. Audio recordings of each consultation were reviewed by two raters to determine the extent to which the dentist covered the topics recommended in the communication guide.

Results

The dentist informed all patients that they were being checked for oral cancer, spoke about signs and symptoms, and discussed risk factors. However, they rarely recommended where help should be sought or addressed barriers to seeking help. Discussions took an average of 95 s. The extent to which oral cancer was discussed did not correlate with patients' post‐appointment anxiety. Patients made positive or neutral responses to the discussions. The few questions that were asked were easily addressed.

Conclusions

As findings are based on one dentist working at one practice, generalization of these results should be cautious. The study indicated that using an evidence‐based guide to talk about oral cancer did not appear to raise patients' anxiety in this practice population. This could help to increase awareness of oral cancer in the endeavour to facilitate early cancer diagnosis.
Factors associated with the use of dental services in the previous 12 and 36 months by Brazilian older people residing in rural areas
Authors: Hartmann Clarissa Fialho , Meucci Rodrigo Dalke , Silva Alexandre Emídio Ribeiro
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To describe the use of dental services in two periods and associated factors in older people residing in the rural area of a municipality in southern Brazil.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study nested in a cohort study. A standardised questionnaire was used to collect the variables of interest. The dependent variables were the use of dental services in the 12 and 36 months prior to the interview.

Results

A total of 863 older people were interviewed, 24.7% of whom had visited a dentist in the previous year and 38.7% had visited a dentist in the previous 3 years. Skin colour, health insurance and self‐rated health were associated with both outcomes. Individuals with non‐white skin, those who did not have health insurance and those who considered their health to be poor or very poor were more likely to take a long time before seeking oral health services. Differences between the two outcomes were observed in oral health and the use of tobacco. The likelihood of having gone more than 3 years without visiting a dentist was greater among smokers and lower among those with dental caries.

Conclusions

The prevalence of dental service use was low. Variables related to the adoption of unhealthy behaviours and the occurrence of oral diseases were only related to the use of dental services 36 months prior to the interview. Public policies must be reorganised to prioritise population groups with greater difficulties in the use of dental services.
Single‐cell landscape and clinical outcomes of infiltrating B cells in colorectal cancer
Authors: Xia Jie , Xie Zhangjuan , Niu Gengming , Lu Zhou , Wang Zhiqiang , Xing Yun , Ren Jun , Hu Zhiqing , Hong Runqi , Cao ZhiPeng , Han Shanliang , Chu Yiwei , Liu Ronghua , Ke Chongwei
Published: August 2022

B cells constitute a major component of infiltrating immune cells in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the characteristics of B cells and their clinical significance remain unclear. In this study, using single‐cell RNA sequencing and multicolour immunofluorescence staining experiments, we identified five distinct subtypes of B cells with their marker genes, distribution patterns and functional properties in the CRC tumour microenvironment. Meanwhile, we found a higher proportion of IgG plasma cells in tumour sites than that in adjacent normal mucosal tissues. In addition, the CXCL13‐producing CD8+ T cells in the tumour tissues could promote the formation of tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) B cells, and the CCL28–CCR10 axis is pivotal for IgG plasma cell migration from the periphery of TLSs to the tumour stroma. Finally, we identified four distinct colon immune classes (CICs: A–D) and found that CD20+ B cells within TLSs were enriched in one immune‐inflamed or hot tumour group (CIC D). This B cell‐rich group, which was characterized by strong antigen presentation, IgG plasma cells accumulation, microsatellite instability‐high (MSI‐H) and high tumour mutation burden (TMB‐H), as well as immunosuppressive property in particular, might become a potential predictive biomarker for future immunotherapy. Additionally, in an immunotherapy cohort, patients with the enrichment of B cells and TLSs were demonstrated to obtain significant therapeutic advantages. Together, our findings provide the detailed landscape of infiltrating B cells and their potential clinical significance in CRC.
Influence of sintering temperature on the interfacial behavior of Ti3Al(Si)C2 ceramic and Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Xiao Junli , Wei Yaowu , Zhou Hui , Zhang Shaowei , Li Nan , Chen Junfeng
Published: August 2022

MAX phases possess a combination of ceramic and metallic characteristics, exhibiting good mechanical properties, high thermal conductivity, high thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. To apply MAX phases containing Ti and Al in the casting process of titanium alloy to improve the alloy properties, the interfacial behaviors between pre‐sintered Ti3Al(Si)C2 substrates and molten Ti6Al4V alloy were investigated. The results indicated that Ti3Al(Si)C2 substrates, pre‐sintered at 1100°C, exhibited better resistance to the penetration of alloy than those at 1300 and 1500°C. The reason was that the pre‐sintering temperature was a dynamics factor affecting the reaction of the Ti3Al(Si)C2 substrates in a graphite bed to generate titanium carbide. When the pre‐sintering temperature was 1100°C, the reaction was weak and a small amount of carbon was introduced into the pre‐sintered Ti3Al(Si)C2 substrates, which led to a low concentration gradient of Ti between the alloy and the substrates. The low concentration gradient slowed the diffusion speed of the alloy toward the substrates. Besides, remarkable V/Si lines were detected between the alloy and Ti3Al(Si)C2 substrates for all tested samples. The interface reaction between pre‐sintered Ti3Al(Si)C2 samples and Ti6Al4V alloy was mainly controlled by the diffusion of V because of its inherent segregation effect. The penetration depths of V into substrates were 0.643, 1.135, and 1.324 mm corresponding to Ti3Al(Si)C2 samples pre‐sintered at 1100, 1300, and 1500°C, respectively. That was attributed to the reaction product (Ti, V)5Si3 playing a positive role in diffusion barrier behavior.
Push‐pull strategy for integrated control of Bactrocera minax (Diptera, Tephritidae) based on olfaction and vision
Authors: Cui Zhongyi , Si Pinfa , Liu Lu , Chen Shan , Wang Yang , Li Xin , Zhou Jing‐Jiang , Zhou Qiong
Published: August 2022

Chinese citrus fly Bactrocera minax is a major destructive pest of citrus fruits. The adult stage of B. minax is the critical life stage for control measures because all other life stages are hidden either in infested host fruit or in soil. Therefore, we established a push‐pull system for the control of adults B. minax. Three types of attractants were tested in two orchards. With these attractants, the percentage of infested fruits was reduced from 95.0% to 75.4% and from 89.6% to 72.4% for navel orange and satsuma mandarin, respectively. The in‐house developed food attractant displayed the best reduction compared to two commercial attractants. The food attractant traps (pull) combined with Xanthium sibiricum leaf extract as the repellent (push) hung on a copse at the edge of the orchard fields further reduced the fruit infestation rate from 75.5% to 7.6% in the navel orchards and from 100.0% to 5.6% in the satsuma orchards. When the green luring balls were added as a visual cue to the pull component, the percentage of infested fruits in the orchards was further reduced from 27.8% and 36.6% to 0.4% and 2.9%, respectively. In this five‐year study, B. minax was effectively controlled using behavioural manipulation of their response to olfactory and visual cues in a push‐pull control strategy.
Effect of cut‐out rescan procedures on the accuracy of an intraoral scanner used for digitizing an ear model: An in vitro study
Authors: Ali Islam E. , Hattori Mariko , Sumita Yuka I. , Wakabayashi Noriyuki
Published: August 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of the rescanning of mesh holes of different diameters on the accuracy of an intraoral scanner (IOS) used to digitize an ear model.

Materials and methods

An ear model was digitized using an intraoral scanner (Medit i500) to obtain a reference mesh. A baseline experimental scan was created by editing a duplicate of the reference mesh using the cut‐out tool of the IOS software. Three equal groups were created based on the diameter of the cut‐out areas: 2 mm (G1), 5 mm (G2), and 8 mm (G3) (n = 15). The cut‐out areas were rescanned and a total of 45 digital files were exported. The discrepancy between the reference and the experimental digital scans was measured using the root mean square calculation (RMS). The data were analyzed by a Kruskal‐Wallis test followed by a post hoc Dunn's test with Bonferroni correction.

Results

The trueness values ranged from 19.53 to 27.13 µm. There were significant differences in the RMS error values among the groups tested (p < 0.001) and post hoc multiple comparisons showed significant differences between the G1 and G2 groups (p = 0.04), G1 and G3 groups (p < 0.001), and G2 and G3 groups (p = 0.004). Overall, the precision values ranged from 4.93 to 7.73 µm and significant differences in the RMS values were only found between the G1 and G2 groups (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Mesh hole rescanning affected the scanning accuracy (trueness and precision) of the IOS tested. The larger the diameter of the mesh holes, the less the trueness of the IOS tested. The precision values seemed to be less affected compared with the trueness by the cut‐out and rescanning procedures.
Survival rates, patient satisfaction, and prosthetic complications of implant fixed complete dental prostheses: a 12‐month prospective study
Authors: Nikellis Theocharis , Lampraki Evangelia , Romeo Davide , Tsigarida Alexandra , Barmak Abdul Basir , Malamou Charikleia , Ercoli Carlo , Papaspyridakos Panos , Kotsailidi Elli Anna , Chochlidakis Konstantinos
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To determine the survival rate, incidence of prosthetic complications, and patient satisfaction of implant fixed complete dental prostheses (IFCDPs) after a mean observation period of 1.4 years.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐eight (28) eligible participants were recruited according to specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. The definitive metal‐acrylic resin IFCDPs consisted of titanium bars veneered with acrylic resin and acrylic denture teeth. Prosthodontic complications, divided into major and minor, were monitored. Parameters such as gender, jaw location, bruxism, and occlusal scheme were evaluated. Moreover, a questionnaire was administered throughout the study to assess patient satisfaction. Poisson regression as well as repeated measures ANOVA were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Fourteen (14) males and 14 females were enrolled and followed‐up at 3, 6, and 12 months. All IFCDPs survived (100% survival rate). The most frequent minor complication was the loss of material used to close the screw access hole (20% out of total complications). The most frequent major complication was chipping of the acrylic denture teeth (77.14% out of total complications). Gender (p = 0.008) and bruxism (p = 0.030) were significant predictors for the total major complications (major wear and major chipping) while occlusal scheme was a significant predictor for major chipping events (p = 0.030).

Conclusions

While IFCDPs demonstrated high prosthetic survival rates, they also exhibited a high number of chipping events of the acrylic veneering material, especially in males, bruxers, and individuals with canine guidance occlusion. However, the occurrence of these prosthetic complications did not negatively affect patient satisfaction.
Inequality, legitimacy and disidentification: From South African to global modernism
Authors: Emmett Christine
Published: August 2022

Entrenched inequality within South African society has led to a notable focus within literary criticism on the subject of legitimacy. The perennial question of who has access to narrative representation and how this authority is wielded has informed literary production itself—with some writers, invariably emerging from the elite, attempting to circumvent or undermine the assumed claims of legitimacy which attend the novel. This article discusses how a particular modernist form, narratorial disidentification, coheres around this preoccupation with inequality and legitimacy, overturning idealist accounts of moral agency in history through an emphasis on the determination of the material environment. Narratorial disidentification subverts the normative structure of the novel, assuming that the legitimate subject of society is not narratable within the novel form. Drawing on the work of Warwick Research Collective (WReC), in particular their expanded sense of modernism, this article argues that experiences of social bifurcation in semi‐peripheral locations are translated into this form of narrative coldness which seeks to undermine readerly identification and emphasize externality. It indicates how Camus'sThe Strangercan be productively re‐read by considering the employment of this form by a number of South African novelists—from Nadine Gordimer'sThe Late Bourgeois Worldunder apartheid, to postapartheid with Zoë Wicomb'sPlaying in The Lightand Achmat Dangor'sBitter Fruit. This allows not only for formal continuities across apartheid‐postapartheid to be historicized, but offers a comparative lens for approaching novelistic form within global contexts of inequality.
Clinical features and outcomes of renal amyloidosis in Hong Kong
Authors: Lin Ronald Chi Chun , Yuen Sze Kit , Cheung Siu Fai , Tang Hon Lok , Fung Samuel Ka Shun
Published: August 2022

Aim

Early symptoms of primary (AL) amyloidosis are non‐specific. Any delay in diagnosis and treatment results in poor outcome despite increasing treatment options. We aimed to determine baseline risk factors that identify patients with poor kidney outcomes and overall survivals.

Methods

We recruited all patients aged 18 years or above with biopsy‐proven renal amyloidosis between years 2000 and 2019 in three Hong Kong regional hospitals. Patients' clinical and pathological parameters, treatment response, kidney outcomes and overall survivals were recorded and analysed.

Results

Thirty‐six cases of renal amyloidosis were recruited. Four cases were diagnosed to have multiple myeloma. Edema was the most common presenting symptom. The mean estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was 98.8 ml/min/1.73 m2 at presentation. Autologous stem cell transplant conferred the best renal outcomes as well as patients' survival. Twenty‐two patients had 50% decrease in eGFR, 12 patients developed end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) and 22 patients died. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, proteinuria and low eGFR were identified as independent baseline risk factors for ESKD. Proteinuria, hyperlipidemia, and cardiac involvement were independent baseline risk factors for death.

Conclusion

Amyloidosis, a rare disease with poor prognosis without treatment. Hypertension, diabetes mellitus, heavy proteinuria and low eGFR at diagnosis were associated with poor kidney outcome.
Registered nurses' experiences of caring for patients in hospitals transitioning from curative to palliative care: A qualitative study
Authors: Lind Susanne , Bengtsson Astrid , Alvariza Anette , Klarare Anna
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was twofold: to illuminate registered nurses' experiences of palliative care and of caring for patients transitioning from curative to palliative care in hospitals. A qualitative descriptive design was used. Group interviews were conducted with 11 registered nurses in three different hospital settings. Content analysis was performed. The results are presented in four themes: “Understanding palliative care in a hospital setting”; “Involving, supporting, and caring for patients and families”; “Striving for consensus and common goals of care”; and “Struggling with the hospital environment.” The registered nurses described struggling with the interpretation of palliative care and with how to transfer it into clinical practice in their specific care settings. Teamwork and collaboration were challenging and goals of care incongruent within the team. Further implementation of a palliative care approach, with core components symptom relief, teamwork, communication and relationship, and family support, is crucial to improve both patient care and the conditions enabling registered nurses to provide good care for the patients and their families in hospital settings.
Nurses' experience in stoma care for refugees and asylum seekers: Qualitative research
Authors: Harputlu Deniz , Akil Yasemin
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to determine the experiences of ostomy and wound care nurses in providing care to refugees and asylum seekers with stomas. This study used a descriptive qualitative design. The study population comprised 14 female nurses working as ostomy and wound care nurses in Turkey. Purposive sampling was adopted. The interviews were conducted at times convenient for the participants and researchers and by interviewing each nurse once. Prior to the interviews, the questions of an individual characteristics identification form were read to the participants, and the form was filled out on the basis of their responses. The interviews were conducted using a semistructured approach. Thematic analysis was used to identify, analyze, and report themes within the data. The emerging themes following data analysis were communication problems, problems with stoma supplies, nurses' efforts to prevent inequalities in care, and emotional burden. To maintain appropriate nursing care, this study recommends the expansion of appropriate translation services and the reconsideration of problems related to patients' access to stoma care materials.
The Carbon Bubble: climate policy in a fire‐sale model of deleveraging∗
Authors: Comerford David , Spiganti Alessandro
Published: August 2022

Credible implementation of climate change policy, consistent with the 2 °C limit, requires a large proportion of current fossil‐fuel reserves to remain unused. This issue, named the Carbon Bubble, is usually presented as a required asset write‐off, with implications for investors. We embed the Carbon Bubble in a macroeconomic model exhibiting a financial accelerator: if investors are leveraged, then the Carbon Bubble might precipitate a fire‐sale of assets across the economy, and generate a large and persistent fall in output and investment, impairing the economy's ability to invest in the zero carbon assets it needs to produce output in the post‐climate‐transition world. We find a role for macroeconomic policy protecting investors' balance sheets in mitigating the macroeconomic effects of the Carbon Bubble, and enhancing welfare.
Fertility and climate change*
Authors: Gerlagh Reyer , Lupi Veronica , Galeotti Marzio
Published: August 2022

A quarter of the total increase in emissions is attributable to the growth of emissions per capita, whereas three‐quarters are due to population growth. This evidence notwithstanding, demography in climate–economy models typically follows exogenous trends. We develop a climate–economy integrated model with endogenous fertility through a quality–quantity trade‐off. The decentralization of the social optimum requires two complementary instruments: a carbon pricing policy and family planning interventions. Global population increases and reaches a peak, depending on the scenario, between 11.6 billion in the social optimum and 14.6 billion if only carbon prices are implemented. Fertility costs (i.e., the net present value of the climate‐related costs per child) are in 2020 estimated to be about 22,000 euros in the “social optimum” scenario, and about 88,000 euros in the “second‐best with fertility taxes” scenario. Carbon pricing tends to have a rebound effect as it increases population growth leading to higher future emissions. Our results highlight the effects of fertility choices and global population on climate change, quantifying the cost of neglecting the interaction.
Sequential monitoring of high‐dimensional time series
Authors: Bodnar Rostyslav , Bodnar Taras , Schmid Wolfgang
Published: August 2022

In the paper we derive new types of multivariate exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) control charts which are based on the Euclidean distance and on the distance defined by using the inverse of the diagonal matrix consisting of the variances. The design of the proposed control schemes does not involve the computation of the inverse covariance matrix and, thus, it can be used in the high‐dimensional setting. The distributional properties of the control statistics are obtained and are used in the determination of the new control procedures. Within an extensive simulation study, the new approaches are compared with the multivariate EWMA control charts which are based on the Mahalanobis distance.
Closing the empathy gap: A narrative review of the measurement and reduction of parochial empathy
Authors: Behler Anna Maria C. , Berry Daniel R.
Published: August 2022

Recent research indicates that empathy‐enhancing interventions are limited in their ability to produce meaningful and lasting reductions in bias and hostility toward outgroup members. Parochial empathy—defined as preferentially higher empathy felt for ingroup over outgroup members—has been shown to be a promoter of intergroup conflict and antipathy. Our review will discuss the shortfalls of enhancing empathy for its own sake in intergroup contexts. We leverage the longstanding theory and science of multidimensional perspectives and operationalizations of general empathy, which include cognitive, affective and motivational responses to others' suffering. Thereafter we will discuss the current state of the science on measuring parochial empathy. We close by suggesting a multidimensional perspective of parochial empathy can inform interventions to promote intergroup prosociality, particularly interventions that directly and/or indirectly motivate other‐oriented empathy and concern.
Pre-main sequence evolution of low-mass stars in Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld gravity
Authors: Guerrero Merce , Rubiera-Garcia Diego , Wojnar Aneta
Published: August 2022

We study three aspects of the early-evolutionary phases in low-mass stars within Eddington-inspired Born–Infeld (EiBI) gravity, a viable extension of General Relativity. These aspects are concerned with the Hayashi tracks (i.e. the effective temperature-luminosity relation); the minimum mass required to belong to the main sequence; and the maximum mass allowed for a fully convective star within the main sequence. Using analytical models accounting for the most relevant physics of these processes, we find in all cases a dependence of these quantities not only on the theory’s parameter, but also on the star’s central density, a feature previously found in Palatinif(R) gravity. Using this, we investigate the evolution of these quantities with the (sign of the) EiBI parameter, finding a shift in the Hayashi tracks in opposite directions in the positive/negative branches of it, and an increase (decrease) for positive (negative) parameter in the two masses above. We use these results to elaborate on the chances to seek for traces of new physics in low-mass stars within this theory, and the limitations and difficulties faced by this approach.
Sensitivity Analysis Contact Reliability of VH-CATT Cylindrical Gear and Its Reliability with Material Strength Degradation
Authors: Zhang Qi , Wen Guang , Chen Zhixin , Zhou Qin , Xiang Guoqi , Yang Guangchun , Zhang Xuegang
Published: August 2022

VH-CATT cylindrical gear is a new transmission mechanism. In order to study the influence of design parameters and material strength degradation of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear on its transmission reliability. The Kriging surrogate model based on improved quantum particle swarm optimization (QPSO) algorithm was used to establish the limit state equation of contact stress for the VH-CATT cylindrical gear based on the stress-strength interference theory. The state equation of contact stress of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear was obtained with higher precision. Also, the strength degradation model with gamma distribution was established by using the P-S-N curve to estimate the parameters of the strength degradation model with gamma distribution. The reliability sensitivity of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear was analyzed by improved first order second moment method (AFOSM) based on the limit state equation of contact stress of the VH-CATT cylindrical gear, the reliability of gear considering strength degradation was studied by using the improved first order second moment method (AFOSM). The analysis results show that the failure rate decreases with the increase of pressure Angle, tooth width, modulus and tooth radius. The failure rate increases with increasing torque. Strength degradation has a certain influence on the reliability of gear and opinion. And the reliability of the gear is lower than that of the opinion, Strength degradation has a greater influence on the failure probability of gear, at the same time, the reliability of the gear pair decreases with the strength degradation. After 15000 hours of operation, the reliability of the gear pair is only 0.63155.
Special Aquatic Products Supply Chain Coordination Considering Bilateral Green Input in the Context of High-Quality Development
Authors: Yu Liting , Liu Dongyan , Xu Nairu
Published: August 2022

The high-quality development of fishery puts forward two requirements for the supply of Aquatic Products(AP): The first is to increase the supply of high-quality, high-end and safe AP based on market demand;The second is to promote green aquaculture. Under this background, Special aquatic products (SAP) have become the main force of green aquaculture due to their higher nutritional value and good quality, the green development of Special aquatic products supply chain (SAPSC) can solve the urgent needs of consumers for “quality and healthy” AP.

Combining with the characteristics that SAP farming is dominated by producers, we construct the Stackelberg Model of producer-dominated SAP, and analyze the different operation results of SAP in traditional aquaculture model(TAM) and green aquaculture model(GAM). Furthermore, the paper studies the optimal decision-making of supply chain based on the bilateral green input of producers and retailers, and designs a revenue-sharing contract(RSC) to coordinate the SAPSC. The main results are as follows: Compared with TAM, the demand for products under GAM is greater. And the producers and retailers are more profitable. The basic greenness and marketing level of the products have a driving effect on green development of SAPSC. The RSC is conducive to encouraging supply chain members to make green inputs. Finally, by analyzing the contract parameters and supply chain parameters, the validity of the contract and the correctness of the conclusion are verified.
A mechanism for a “leaky” black hole to catalyze galaxy formation
Authors: Adler Stephen L.
Published: August 2022

In the gravitational field of a Schwarzschild-like black hole, particles infalling from rest at infinity, and black hole “wind” particles with relativistic velocity leaking radially out from the nominal horizon both have the same magnitude of velocity at any radius from the hole. Hence when equally massive infalling and wind particles collide at any radius, they yield collision products with zero center of mass radial velocity, which can then nucleate star formation at the collision radius. We suggest that this gives a mechanism by which a central black hole can catalyze galaxy formation. For disk galaxies, this mechanism explains the observed approximately exponential falloff of the surface brightness with radius, and gives an estimate of the associated scale length.
Way down in the hole… and up again
Authors: Boyanov Valentin
Published: August 2022

I argue that an approach which uses an appropriate admixture of both classical and semiclassical effects is essential for understanding the ultimate fate of gravitational collapse and the nature of black holes (BHs). I provide an example of a problem which pushes the boundaries of what is known in both the classical and semiclassical approaches: the evolution of the inner horizon of a BH. I show that solving this problem requires considering perturbations of both classical and semiclassical origins. In fact, it has been found that classical mass inflation might be counteracted by a semiclassical tendency for the inner horizon to inflate outward.
Geodesic deviation on symmetry axis in Taub–NUT metric
Authors: Vandeev V. P. , Semenova A. N.
Published: August 2022

An important aspect of general relativity is to study properties of geodesics. A useful tool for describing geodesic behavior is the geodesic deviation equation. It allows to describe the tidal properties of gravitating objects through the curvature of spacetime. This paper focuses on the study of the axially symmetric Taub–NUT metric. We study tidal effects in this metric using the geodesic deviation equation. Radial geodesics along the symmetry axis of spacetime are considered. We show that all spatial components of tidal forces always change sign under the event horizon. We find a solution of the geodesic deviation equation for all geodesic deviation vector components. It allows us to quantify the effect of the NUT-charge on the tidal properties of Taub–NUT metric. Another important feature that we found is the regular behavior of all tidal force components at all points of spacetime.
INVERSE PROBLEM RESOLUTION VIA KOHN–VOGELIUS FORMULATION AND TOPOLOGICAL SENSITIVITY METHOD
Authors: ABDELWAHED MOHAMED , CHORFI NEJMEDDINE
Published: August 2022

We study in this work a geometric inverse problem using the Kohn–Vogelius formulation method. Using this technique, the problem is reformulated as an optimization problem. The resolution is then carried out by the method of topological sensitivity. A real application is finally presented to show the effectiveness of this developed approach.
LONG-TIME DECAY OF LERAY SOLUTION OF 3D-NSE WITH EXPONENTIAL DAMPING
Authors: BLEL MONGI , BENAMEUR JAMEL
Published: August 2022

We study the uniqueness, the continuity in [Formula: see text] and the large time decay for the Leray solutions of the 3D incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear exponential damping term [Formula: see text], ([Formula: see text]).
FUZZY SLIDING-MODE CONTROL OF FRACTIONAL-ORDER CHAOTIC SYSTEMS SUBJECT TO UNCERTAIN CONTROL COEFFICIENTS AND INPUT SATURATION
Authors: LIN FUNING , SU GUANGWANG , JI QUANBAO , TANG ZONGQIAO , FU JUN
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a novel fuzzy sliding-mode backstepping control approach is put forward to tackle the tracking control issue of fractional-order chaotic nonlinear systems subject to uncertain control coefficient and input saturation. First, a kind of sliding surface with nonlinear term of exponential monotonic attenuation is introduced to facilitate the fast error convergence and the chaos effect suppression. Subsequently, fuzzy logic systems and Nussbaum gains are synthesized to cope with the entire uncertainties including unknown control coefficients. Furthermore, dynamic surface technique is utilized to circumvent the occurrence of “complexity explosion” during the overall backstepping control procedure. By means of the proposed control scheme, system state is guaranteed to maintain close to the sliding surface without any reaching phrase, and whereafter the tracking error converges to a sufficiently small residual set containing the origin. Finally, the comparison between the proposed control scheme and an alternative existing chaos control approach is given through numerical simulation, which further confirms the validity of the obtained results and the superiority of the proposed strategy.