bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tocilizumab Treatment Effect on Iron Homeostasis in Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Guz Dmitri , Gafter-Gvili Anat , Lev Nirit , Sahaf Levin Gal , Lev Shaul
Published: January 2022

Background: Tocilizumab has been proposed as an effective treatment for severe COVID-19. We aimed to investigate whether tocilizumab administration is associated with increased availability of serum iron which may possibly be associated with adverse effects on clinical outcomes. Methods: We performed an observational, retrospective cohort study. We included adults, who were hospitalized in ICU with the diagnosis of severe COVID-19 infection eligible for tocilizumab treatment. Laboratory data including serum iron, ferritin, transferrin saturation, hemoglobin, and C-reactive protein levels of all patients were collected shortly before and 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h after tocilizumab administration. Results: During the study period, 15 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were eligible to receive tocilizumab treatment. Tocilizumab therapy was associated with a prominent increase in serum iron and transferrin saturation levels (26 ± 13 μg/dL and 15 ± 8% before treatment and 79 ± 32 μg/dL and 41 ± 15% 72 h after treatment, respectively, p < 0.001) and decrease in serum ferritin levels (1,921 ± 2,071 ng/mL before and 1,258 ± 1,140 ng/mL 72 h after treatment, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Treatment of severe COVID-19 patients with tocilizumab is associated with a profound increase in serum iron and ferritin saturation levels along with a decrease in ferritin levels. This may represent an undesirable side effect that may potentiate viral replication.
Prevalence of Dental Caries in Past European Populations: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bertilsson Carolina , Borg Eva , Sten Sabine , Hessman Eva , Sjöblom Helen , Lingström Peter
Published: January 2022

Objective: Within the fields of anthropology and osteoarcheology, human teeth have long been studied to understand the diet, habits, and diseases of past civilizations. However, no complete review has been published to collect and analyze the extensive available data on caries prevalence in European man (Homo sapiens) over time. Method: In this current study, the two databases, Scopus and Art, Design, and Architecture Collection, were searched using predefined search terms. The literature was systematically reviewed and assessed by two of the authors. Results: The findings include a significant nonlinear correlation with increasing caries prevalence in European populations from 9000 BC to 1850 AD, for both the number of carious teeth and the number of affected individuals. Conclusion: Despite the well-established collective belief that caries rates fluctuate between different locations and time and the general view that caries rates have increased from prehistoric times and onwards, this is to our knowledge the first time this relationship has been proven based on published data.
Analyzing and detecting hemorrhagic and ischemic strokebased on bit plane slicing and edge detection algorithms
Authors: Alazawee Warqaa Shaher , Naji Zobeda Hatif , Ali Weaam Talaat
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, in the medical world, analyzing and diagnosing acute brain stroke and its location is a difficult process. In many hospitals, however, striking symptoms with the use of computed tomography (CT) imaging for patients is an important step in screening and diagnosis. Furthermore, computer-assisted accurate detection of diseased brain regions Because of the several sorts of strokes, their uneven form, and their great intensity and size, aided design is extremely challenging. Using the bit plan slice technique and the canny detector, we created and suggested a novel approach. Our algorithm produces excellent outcomes. The results demonstrate that our proposed algorithm is an accurate and reliable technique. This study also indicates that this system can detect two different types of strokes: hemorrhagic and ischemic strokes. The results of a comparison study of our suggested technique and other methods such as negative and logarithmic transformation methods are also included in this article.
First order surface grating fiber coupler under the period chirp and apodization functions variations effects
Authors: Mohammad Alsharef , Alzaidi Mohammed S. , Eid Mahmoud M. A. , Sorathiya Vishal , Lavadiya Sunil , Patel Shobhit K. , Rashed Ahmed Nabih Zaki
Published: January 2022

The paper has demonstrated the first order surface grating fiber coupler under the period chirp and apodization functions variations effects. The Fiber coupler transmittivity/reflectivity, the fiber coupler grating index change and the fiber coupler mesh transmission cross-section are clarified against the grating length with the quadratic/cubic root period chirp and Gaussian/uniform apodization functions. The fiber coupler delay and dispersion are simulated and demonstrated with grating wavelength with quadratic/cubic root period chirp and Gaussian/uniform apodization function. As well as the fiber coupler output pulse intensity is simulated against the time period with the quadratic/cubic root period chirp and Gaussian/uniform apodization function. The fiber coupler peak intensity variations against the transmission range variations is also demonstrated by OptiGrating simulation software.
An analysis of increased usage of e-commerce during COVID-19
Authors: Alkhunaizan Abdulmohsin Suliman , Ali Ashraf
Published: January 2022

Technolgoical innovation has covered all aspects of business all over the world. With growing pace of digitalisation all over the globe, e-commerce has become one of the popular platforms for initiating business transactions. COVID-19 has showed the dependence of the society on this medium for the convenient allocation of goods and services and meeting up of consumer demands. Saudi Arabia has also witnessed a high demand in the usage of this platform to meet the daily usage necessity. In order to get insight into the topic, qualitative research has been undertaken. The study aims to investigate the increased use of e-commerce during COVID-19. The data required for the analysis has been collected from secondary sources such as web journals and research work. The finding of the qualitative analysis exhibited that the e-commerce has increased rapidly during COVID-19 time. The outcomes of the present study are helpful for the vendors to facilitate the consumers by increasing the opportunities of e-commerce.
Different analytical frameworks and bigdata model for internet of things
Authors: Chahal Ayushi , Gulia Preeti , Gill Nasib Singh
Published: January 2022

Sensor devices used in internet of things (IoT) enabled environment produce large amount of data. This data plays a major role in bigdata landscape. In recent years, correlation, and implementation of bigdata and IoT is being extrapolated. Nowadays, predictive analytics is gaining attention of many researchers for big IoT data analytics. This paper summarizes different sort of IoT analytical platforms which consist in-built features for further use in machine learning, MATLAB, and data security. It emphasizes on different machine learning algorithms that plays important role in big IoT data analytics. Besides different analytical frameworks, this paper highlights the proposed model for bigdata in IoT domain and elaborates different forms of data analytical methods. Proposed model comprises different phases i.e., data storing, data cleaning, data analytics, and data visualization. These phases cover the basic characteristics of bigdata V’s model and most important phase is data analytics or big IoT analytics. This model is implemented using an IoT dataset and results are presented in graphical and tabular form using different machine learning techniques. This study enhances researchers’ knowledge about various IoT analytical platforms and usability of these platforms in their respective problem domains.
High efficiency step-up converter using single switch with coupled inductors
Authors: Al-Omari Ali Hussein , Al-Zubaidi Saif
Published: January 2022

Due to high demand for voltage boosting in the field of renewable energy sources, a novel topology of step-up converter with single switch is proposed in this paper. The converter uses single switch with coupled inductors architecture. The proposed topology enables to control the stepping-up gain by adjusting the duty cycle and selecting appropriate turn ratio of the coupled inductors. The two coupled inductors in the circuit can act as a step-up transformer. Moreover, the proposed technique aims to harness the turning off voltage stresses across the switching element and suppress the stress by transferring it to the load. The switching induced voltage was reduced by forwarding the power to charge a capacitor then transfer the power through a diode to the output. Circuit configuration, principles of operation and the gain transfer function of the converter are demonstrated. The proposed circuit is verified by comparing the practical results to the theoretical.
Classification of chest X-ray images using a hybrid deep learning method
Authors: Songram Panida , Jareanpon Chatklaw , Chomphuwiset Phatthanaphong , Kawattikul Khanabhorn , Jareanpon Chatklaw
Published: January 2022

This work presents a technique for classifying X-ray images of the chest (CXR) by applying deep learning-based techniques. The CXR will be classified into three different types, i.e. (i) normal, (ii) COVID-19, and (iii) pneumonia. The classification challenge is raised when the X-ray images of COVID-19 and pneumonia are subtle. The CXR images of the chest are first proceeded to be standardized and to improve the visual contrast of the images. Then, the classification is performed by applying a deep learningbased technique that binds two deep learning network architectures, i.e., convolution neural network (CNN) and long short-term memory (LSTM), to generate a hybrid model for the classification problem. The deep features of the images are extracted by CNN before the final classification is performed using LSTM. In addition to the hybrid models, this work explores the validity of image pre-processing methods that improve the quality of the images before the classification is performed. The experiments were conducted on a public image dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique provides promising results and is superior to the baseline techniques.
Development of depth map from stereo images using sum of absolute differences and edge filters
Authors: Hamzah Rostam Affendi , Azali Muhd Nazmi Zainal , Noh Zarina Mohd , Zahari Madiha , Herman Adi Irwan
Published: January 2022

This article proposes a framework for the depth map reconstruction using stereo images. Fundamentally, this map provides an important information which commonly used in essential applications such as autonomous vehicle navigation, drone’s navigation and 3D surface reconstruction. To develop an accurate depth map, the framework must be robust against the challenging regions of low texture, plain color and repetitive pattern on the input stereo image. The development of this map requires several stages which starts with matching cost calculation, cost aggregation, optimization and refinement stage. Hence, this work develops a framework with sum of absolute difference (SAD) and the combination of two edge preserving filters to increase the robustness against the challenging regions. The SAD convolves using block matching technique to increase the efficiency of matching process on the low texture and plain color regions. Moreover, two edge preserving filters will increase the accuracy on the repetitive pattern region. The results show that the proposed method is accurate and capable to work with the challenging regions. The results are provided by the Middlebury standard dataset. The framework is also efficiently and can be applied on the 3D surface reconstruction. Moreover, this work is greatly competitive with previously available methods.
A review of optimisation and least-square problem methods on field programmable gate array-based orthogonal matching pursuit implementations
Authors: Nadzri Muhammad Muzakkir Mohd , Ahmad Afandi
Published: January 2022

Orthogonal matching pursuit (OMP) is the most efficient algorithm used for the reconstruction of compressively sampled data signals in the implementation of compressive sensing. OMP operates in an iteration-based nature, which involves optimisation and least-square problem (LSP) as the main processes. However, optimisation and LSP processes comprise complex mathematical operations that are computationally demanding, and software-based implementations are slow, power-consuming, and unfit for real-time applications. To fill the research gap, we reviewed the optimisation and LSP techniques implemented on the FPGA platform as the hardware accelerator. Aspects that contributed to the performance, algorithm, and methods involved in the implemented works were discussed and compared. The methods were found to be improved when modified or combined. However, the best approach still depends on the requirement of the system to be developed, and this review is significant as a reference.
Measurement of an electroretinogram signal and display waves on graphical user interface by laboratory virtual instrument engineering workbench
Authors: Mahmood Mustafa F. , Jameel Huda Farooq , Hammed Mayss Alreem Nizar
Published: January 2022

The electroretinogram (ERG) is an electrophysiological recording method that measures the retinal electrical potential. The electrical reaction is quantified by electrical interaction of the indicator electrode with the cornea or at various levels inside the retina. However, such ERG systems suffer from certain limitations and challenges, such as high cost, low a/b-wave amplitude, and the outcomes do not provide any information about patients. In this work, we designed and implemented a real-time prototype for an ERG system for measuring eye waves via diode-transistor logic (DTL)- electrode and AD624AD-model. In addition, a graphical user interface (GUI) via virtual instrument engineering workbench (LabVIEW) was used. The developed system achieved high amplitude for ERG a/b-waves of about 100 and 700 mV. In terms of a/b-waves in the system, the findings show that this study has good results for optimizing the measurement of ERG signals. The method showed satisfactory accuracy of about 92.5% for 10 participants aged 20-60 years and comprising both genders
Examining Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status as a Mediator of Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Hypertension Control Across Two San Francisco Health Systems
Authors: Liu Emily F. , Rubinsky Anna D. , Pacca Lucia , Mujahid Mahasin , Fontil Valy , DeRouen Mindy C. , Fields Jessica , Bibbins-Domingo Kirsten , Lyles Courtney R.
Published: January 2022

Background:

A contextual understanding of hypertension control can inform population health management strategies to mitigate cardiovascular disease events. This retrospective cohort study links neighborhood-level data with patients’ health records to describe racial/ethnic differences in uncontrolled hypertension and determine if and to what extent these differences are mediated by neighborhood socioeconomic status (nSES).

Methods:

We conducted a mediation analysis using a sample of patients with hypertension from 2 health care delivery systems in San Francisco over 2 years (n=47 031). We used generalized structural equation modeling, adjusted for age, sex, and health care system, to estimate the contribution of nSES to disparities in uncontrolled hypertension between White patients and Black, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian patients, respectively. Sensitivity analysis removed adjustment for health care system.

Results:

Over half the cohort (62%) experienced uncontrolled hypertension during the study period. Racial/ethnic groups showed substantial differences in prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension and distribution of nSES quintiles. Compared with White patients, Black, and Hispanic/Latino patients had higher adjusted odds of uncontrolled hypertension: odds ratio, 1.79 [95% CI, 1.67–1.91] and odds ratio, 1.38 [95% CI, 1.29–1.47], respectively and nSES accounted for 7% of the disparity in both comparisons. Asian patients had slightly lower adjusted odds of uncontrolled hypertension when compared with White patients: odds ratio, 0.95 [95% CI, 0.89–0.99] and the mediating effect of nSES did not change the direction of the relationship. Sensitivity analysis increased the proportion mediated by nSES to 11% between Black and White patients and 13% between Hispanic/Latino and White patients, but did not influence differences between Asian and White patients.

Conclusions:

Among patients with hypertension in this study, nSES mediated a small proportion of racial/ethnic disparities in uncontrolled hypertension. Population health management strategies may be most effective by focusing on additional structural and interpersonal pathways such as racism and discrimination in health care settings.
Severe Maternal Morbidity and Long-Term Risk of Cardiovascular Hospitalization
Authors: Ukah U. Vivian , Dayan Natalie , Potter Brian J. , Paradis Gilles , Ayoub Aimina , Auger Nathalie
Published: January 2022

Background:

Severe maternal morbidity is rising, yet the association with cardiovascular disease is not clear. We examined the risk of cardiovascular hospitalization up to 3 decades after having a pregnancy complicated by severe maternal morbidity.

Methods:

We analyzed a longitudinal cohort of 1 336 846 women who were pregnant between 1989 and 2019 in Quebec, Canada. The main exposure measure was severe maternal morbidity in any pregnancy, including severe preeclampsia, acute renal failure, sepsis, and other life-threatening conditions. Using time-varying Cox regression models, we compared the adjusted risk of hospitalization for cardiovascular disease up to 3 decades after pregnancy for women with severe maternal morbidity relative to women without severe morbidity.

Results:

Five percent of women had severe maternal morbidity. Overall, there were 68 287 cardiovascular hospitalizations during 21 725 672 person-years of follow-up in the cohort. Compared with no morbidity, women with any severe morbidity had a greater risk of cardiovascular hospitalization (hazard ratio [HR], 1.77 [95% CI, 1.72–1.82]). The association was the greatest within the first year of delivery (HR, 4.42 [95% CI, 3.77–5.19]) but persisted beyond 15 years (HR, 1.44 [95% CI, 1.37–1.51]). Having a cardiac complication (HR, 5.37 [95% CI, 4.65–6.20]), cerebrovascular accident (HR, 3.82 [95% CI, 2.94–4.96]), or acute renal failure (HR, 2.60 [95% CI, 2.15–3.14]) during pregnancy was strongly associated with future cardiovascular hospitalization.

Conclusions:

Women with severe maternal morbidity have a greater risk of cardiovascular disease after pregnancy, both in the short and long term. These women may benefit from active surveillance for cardiovascular disease.
Evaluating Factors That Influence Patient Satisfaction in Otolaryngology Clinics
Authors: Redding Taylor S. , Keefe Katherine R. , Stephens Andrew R. , Gurgel Richard K.
Published: January 2022

Objectives:

To identify factors that influence patient satisfaction during outpatient visits in various settings of otolaryngology clinics in an academic medical center.

Study design:

Retrospective review.

Setting:

Academic medical center.

Methods:

We reviewed Press Ganey patient satisfaction survey responses for new, outpatient visits between January 1, 2014 and December 31, 2018. Self-reported race was identified using electronic medical records. Multivariate binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify continuous and categorical variables associated with patient satisfaction.

Results:

There were 3998 unique new patient visits with completed surveys. Multivariate analysis revealed that responses for patients <18 years old are less likely to be satisfied with their care compared to patients ≥18 years old (OR 0.66; P < .001). For each 10-minute increase in wait time, patients were 43.4% less likely report satisfaction ( P < .001). African American patients were also less likely to report satisfaction (OR 0.22; P = .043) while Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders were over 3 times more likely to be satisfied (OR 3.6; P = .013). Additionally, Medicare patients and those who were seen at community satellite clinics compared to the main University Hospital had increased odds of achieving satisfactory care (OR 1.3; P = .005 and OR 1.3; P = .002, respectively).

Conclusions:

Wait time, clinic location, patient race, insurance provider, and age were all shown to significantly influence patient-reported satisfaction. Understanding how these variables influence patient satisfaction will hopefully lead to processes that improve patient satisfaction.

Level of evidence:

Level 3.
Understanding Caregiver Perspectives on an Electronic Consultation and Referral System
Authors: Rea Corinna J. , Toomey Sara L. , Rosen Melissa , Le Tiffany , Shah Snehal
Published: January 2022

This study examined caregiver impressions of an electronic consultation and referral (ECR) system. Participants included 56 caregivers of primary care patients referred through the ECR system. Semistructured interviews and surveys were conducted between August 2018 and April 2019. Transcripts were coded and themes developed using thematic content analysis. A total of 51% of caregivers stated that they would prefer to see their child’s primary care provider (PCP) for a specialty issue if they could receive the same quality of care. All caregivers who received an electronic consult (n = 28) said that they would utilize that process again. Three themes emerged: (1) caregivers expect immediate action prior to or instead of a specialty referral; (2) caregiver preferences for PCP versus specialist are mediated by both child and provider characteristics; (3) caregiver attitudes toward the ECR system are influenced by external considerations and experiences with the system. Results suggest caregivers value enhanced communication and immediate access to specialty input facilitated by the ECR system.
Using Simulated Annealing to Investigate Sensitivity of SEM to External Model Misspecification
Authors: Fisk Charles L. , Harring Jeffrey R. , Shen Zuchao , Leite Walter , Suen King Yiu , Marcoulides Katerina M.
Published: January 2022

Sensitivity analyses encompass a broad set of post-analytic techniques that are characterized as measuring the potential impact of any factor that has an effect on some output variables of a model. This research focuses on the utility of the simulated annealing algorithm to automatically identify path configurations and parameter values of omitted confounders in structural equation modeling (SEM). An empirical example based on a past published study is used to illustrate how strongly related an omitted variable must be to model variables for the conclusions of an analysis to change. The algorithm is outlined in detail and the results stemming from the sensitivity analysis are discussed.
Institutionalized Risks and Shiduers’ Post-loss Experience: A Qualitative Analysis Among Older Bereaved Chinese Parents Who Have Lost Their Only Child
Authors: Yang Lei
Published: January 2022

In China, older adults whose only child has died are known as shiduers; these people are not only deeply impacted by their individual bereavement from losing their child but are also influenced by macro institutional factors. To further investigate this unintended consequence of the one-child policy and to illustrate the mechanism of influence of institutional factors on the sufferings and grief experiences of this population, this study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 shiduers in Wuhan, China. In line with Ulrich Beck’s theory of risk society, the findings argue that the crises inherent in institutional factors not only affect the post-loss experiences of shiduers in harmful ways but also pose a number of life difficulties that are difficult to control and mitigate. More importantly, most shiduers’ life difficulties are rationalized, gradually transforming into manufactured and widespread shidu risks that persist long-term throughout their aging process.
Inversion of 2D cross-hole electrical resistivity tomography data using artificial neural network
Authors: Chhun Kean Thai , Woo Sang Inn , Yune Chan-Young
Published: January 2022

Geophysical inversion is often ill-posed because of its nonlinearity and the ordinary measured data of measured data. To deal with these problems, an artificial neural network (ANN) has been introduced with the capability of a nonlinear and complex problem for geophysical inversion. This study aims to invert 2D cross-hole electrical resistivity tomography data using a feedforward back-propagation neural network (FBNN) approach. To generate the synthetic data to train the model, eighteen forward models (100 to 600 Ω.m homogeneous medium and three different locations of 10 Ω.m of the grouted bulb) with a dipole-dipole array configuration were adopted. The effect of the hyperparameter on the performance of the proposed FBNN model was examined. Various datasets from the laboratory testing result were also tested using the suggested FBNN model and then the error between the actual and predicted area in each model was determined. The results show that our suggested FBNN model, with the trainrp training function, 4 hidden layers, 75 neurons in each hidden layer, 0.8 learning rate, 1 of momentum coefficient, and 54,000 training data points, has higher performance and better accuracy than other models. It was found that the error value of the FBNN model was about 15% to 18% lower compared to the conventional inversion model.
Utility of monocyte parameters in diagnosing Sputum Smear Negative Pulmonary TB
Authors: Gupta Richa , Sarkar Beauty , Goel Ashish , Kotru Mrinalini , Kashyap Binita
Published: January 2022

Background - Smear-negative TB (SNTB) may remain undetected for a long duration and new bio-markers are needed for diagnosis. Our study investigated monocyte parameters in this regard.

Thirty cases each of SNTB, sputum positive cases and healthy controls were included. Full blood count and immune-phenotyping for ‘monocyte parameters’ by flow cytometry were performed using CD45, CD16, CD14, CD64 and HLA-DR The percentage of monocyte subsets and MFI of CD64 and HLA- DR noted and data statistically compared.

The monocyte to lymphocyte ratio, percentage of intermediate monocytes, expression of CD64 on total as well as intermediate monocytes were significantly elevated in cases with SNTB as compared to healthy controls (p value, 0.07, 0.07, 0.001, 0.001 respectively). The cut off value for MFI CD64 on total and intermediate monocyte was >18 and >19.6 respectively.

Thus monocyte parameters can serve as useful biomarkers for diagnosing tuberculosis in the sputum negative group.
Balance-of-Payments Constraints as the Key to Dependency: The Case of Argentina
Authors: Wainer Andrés , Belloni Paula
Published: January 2022

Considering the constraints to growth derived from the balance of payments and the external sector as the area in which the dependency of Latin American countries is most clearly expressed, application of the contributions of dependency theorists concerning external restrictions to growth in Argentina shows that the fate of surplus value in this economy is a key factor in the explanation of its dependent nature.

Considerando las restricciones al crecimiento derivadas del balance de pagos y el sector externo como el ámbito donde se expresa más nítidamente la relación de dependencia, la aplicación de los aportes de la teoría de la dependencia referentes al problema de la restricción externa al crecimiento en la Argentina muestra que el destino que se le da al plusvalor en esta economía es un elemento clave para explicar su situación de dependencia.
Failed Strategies, Broken Promises: PSDB and PT Development Strategies Reexamined
Authors: Abu-El-Haj Jawdat
Published: January 2022

Prado Júnior, Cardoso, and Fernandes set two general guidelines that influenced the development strategy adopted by Brazil’s Partido da Social Democracia Brasileira (Social Democracy Party—PSDB) and Partido dos Trabalhadores (Workers’ Party—PT) between 1994 and 2016. The first aimed to strengthen the internal market, the second to maintain national capital control of key sectors. This consensus did not extend to policy. The PSDB’s adopted macroeconomic adjustments, while the PT’s stressed poverty alleviation and mass consumption. The differences extended to the choice of a profile of favored businesses. The PSDB supported globalized entrepreneurs, while the PT preferred businessmen with working-class backgrounds or with historical ties to national developmentalism. This political choice backfired. Provided with public funds, those businessmen embarked on international acquisitions to the detriment of internal development, and in 2018 the economic crisis paved the way for the political ascent of the far right.

Prado Júnior, Cardoso e Fernandes estabeleceram duas premissas gerais que influenciaram a estratégia de desenvolvimento adotada pelo Partido da Social Democracia Brasileira (PSDB) e pelo Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT), entre o período de 1994 a 2016. A primeira visava fortalecer o mercado interno, enquanto a segunda, a manutenção do controle nacional de setores chaves. O consenso, entretanto, se limitou à teoria. O PSDB escolheu ajustes macroeconômicos, enquanto o PT embarcou na redução da pobreza e no consumo de massa. As diferenças se manifestavam no tipo de empresário apoiado para controlar setores estratégicos. A tipologia do PSDB era de um empresário globalizado e competitivo, enquanto o do PT era oriundo das classes populares ou com vínculos históricos no desenvolvimentismo nacional. Essas escolhas políticas mostraram-se equivocadas. Capitalizados por fundos públicos, esses empresários enveredaram-se por aquisições internacionais, em detrimento do desenvolvimento interno, abrindo o caminho, em 2018, para a ascensão política da extrema direita.
A “Most Conscientious and Considerate Method”: Residential Segregation and Integrationist Activism in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, 1960-1970
Authors: Maniere Emma
Published: January 2022

This article unearths a meticulous system of residential segregation operative in Grosse Pointe, Michigan—a wealthy suburb of Detroit—from 1945 to 1960. Potential homebuyers were ranked based upon their ethnic descent, nativity, accent, manner of dress, and “swarthiness” of skin, among other characteristics; as such, the Point System stringently measured and indeed vested real estate brokers with the power to construct suburban whiteness. After analyzing what I call the “work of white supremacy” that undergirded the Point System, this article then tracks its demise after well-publicized state and federal hearings. This article then details the community’s response to the first “move-ins” of black families in 1964, as well as longer-running liberal integration efforts spearheaded by local activists through the decade’s end. Ultimately, the Point System adds to our understanding of production of race and suburban exclusion in the midcentury United States.
Temporary Self-Deprivation Can Impair Cognitive Control: Evidence From the Ramadan Fast
Authors: Rad Mostafa Salari , Ansarinia Morteza , Shafir Eldar
Published: January 2022

During Ramadan, people of Muslim faith fast by not eating or drinking between sunrise and sunset. This is likely to have physiological and psychological consequences for fasters, and societal and economic impacts on the wider population. We investigate whether, during this voluntary and temporally limited fast, reminders of food can impair the fasters’ reaction time and accuracy on a non-food-related test of cognitive control. Using a repeated measures design in a sample of Ramadan fasters ( N = 190), we find that when food is made salient, fasters are slower and less accurate during Ramadan compared with after Ramadan. Control participants perform similarly across time. Furthermore, during Ramadan performances vary by how recently people had their last meal. Potential mechanisms are suggested, grounded in research on resource scarcity, commitment, and thought suppression, as well as the psychology of rituals and self-regulation, and implications for people who fast for religious or health reasons are discussed.
The Making of a Radical: The Role of Peer Harassment in Youth Political Radicalism
Authors: Miklikowska Marta , Jasko Katarzyna , Kudrnac Ales
Published: January 2022

Although political radicalism is one of the major societal threats, we have limited understanding of how it is formed. While there are reasons to expect that harassment experienced in adolescence increase the propensity for radicalism, this relationship has not yet been investigated. This five-wave study of Swedish adolescents ( N = 892) examined the role of peer harassment in radical political behavior. The results revealed that within-person fluctuations in harassment were positively related to fluctuations in radicalism. Individual-level (but not class-level) harassment also predicted differences between adolescents: youth who experienced more harassment had higher levels of and a more pronounced decrease in radicalism. In addition, adolescents who had more supportive teachers or parents were less affected by harassment than youth with less-supportive adults. The findings suggest that personal experiences of harassment increase the risk of radicalism but supportive relationships can mitigate their negative consequences.
“For your future enjoyment”: managing intellectual property through franchise refurbishment
Authors: Benson Nicholas
Published: January 2022

This article is interested in the ways franchises are managed through the retelling or expansion of the stories within them. Using Disney’s recent live-action versions of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast as a case study, I outline the industrial utility of franchised textual expansion, arguing that many reboots and sequels and other modes of franchised proliferation serve to facilitate a process of franchise refurbishment – or an instance of rebranding and intellectual property upkeep. Specifically, I consider the way Disney has used live-action versions of their classic animated princess narratives to assuage culturally outdated gender politics often associated with these valuable pieces of intellectual property. Ultimately, I argue that refurbishment is both a textual and an industrial process – or a set of processes – that has evolved alongside the logics of modern media franchising to aid in the long-term management of intellectual properties.
Activity of anticoagulant proteins on the polymer-coated and heparin-coated membranes in an extracorporeal circulation circuit
Authors: Tagaya Masashi , Murataka Takuo , Okano Shinya , Handa Hiroki , Tanaka Yuri , Takahashi Shunsuke
Published: January 2022

Introduction

We performed in vitro experiments using whole human blood without anticoagulants to clarify the activity of anticoagulant proteins on membranes coated with acrylate-copolymer (ACP) with a hydrophilic blood-contacting layer compared to those coated by immobilizing heparin (IHP) in extracorporeal circulation.

Methods

Whole human blood from healthy volunteers was recirculated in two types of experimental circuits with an ACP-coated reservoir and tubes and an ACP-coated or IHP-coated membrane. To compare the fluctuation of anticoagulant proteins, the circuit pressure at the inlet and outlet of the membrane was measured every 5 min; antithrombin antigen (ATQ), antithrombin activity, protein-C quantitation (PCQ), protein-C activity, protein-S free antigen (PSQ), and protein-S activity were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120, and 180 min in each experiment ( n = 5).

Results

The time taken to achieve high circuit pressure (> 300 mmHg) at the inlet of the membrane was significantly shorter in the ACP-coated membrane circuit (28 ± 2.7 min) than in the IHP-coated membrane circuit (54 ± 24 min); however, the ATQ, PCQ, and PSQ at 180 min of recirculation were significantly higher in the former than in the latter (all p < .05).

Conclusions

ACP-coated membranes can prevent the consumption of anticoagulant proteins but cannot delay circuit thrombogenicity compared to IHP-coated membranes. Considering patient care during the post-extracorporeal circulation period, the use of ACP coating, which can preserve anticoagulant protein, is better in extracorporeal circulation circuits.
How are family caregivers of people with a serious illness supported by healthcare professionals in their caregiving tasks? A cross-sectional survey of bereaved family caregivers
Authors: Matthys Orphé , Dierickx Sigrid , Deliens Luc , Lapeire Lore , Hudson Peter , Van Audenhove Chantal , De Vleminck Aline , Cohen Joachim
Published: January 2022

Background:

Due to medical advances and an increasingly ageing population, the number of people living with a serious illness is rising. This has major implications for the burden on family members of assisting with care. Support of family caregivers by healthcare professionals is needed to ensure they can provide quality care for people with serious illness.

Aim:

To investigate how family caregivers of people with serious illness are supported by healthcare professionals in their caregiving tasks.

Design/Participants:

Population-based cross-sectional survey of bereaved family caregivers of people with serious illness ( N = 3000) who cared for a person who had died 2–6 months before the sample was drawn (November 2019), as identified through three sickness funds in Flanders, Belgium. The survey explored support from healthcare professionals for family caregivers 3 months prior to bereavement.

Results:

Response rate was 55.0%. Most family caregivers received support from one or more healthcare professionals for family caregiving tasks, ranging from 71% for promoting social interaction to 95% for managing symptoms. The type of support mostly involved providing information. Use of palliative care services was the strongest predictor of such support across physical, psychosocial and practical tasks.

Conclusion:

Most family caregivers of those with serious illness get some form of support from healthcare professionals for their tasks. However, an empowering support strategy for example one aimed at increasing self-efficacy of the family caregiver is rare and end-of-life communication between healthcare professionals and family caregivers needs improvement.
Psilocybin use is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests in US adults: A replication and extension
Authors: Jones Grant M , Nock Matthew K
Published: January 2022

Background:

The United States boasts the largest prison population in the world, conferring significant direct and indirect costs (e.g. lost wages for the incarcerated, increased morbidity/mortality, etc.) to society. Recidivism rates are high for the imprisoned and most interventions to reduce criminality are minimally effective. Thus, in addition to the need for criminal justice reform, there is a need to better understand factors linked to lowered criminal behavior.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to assess the relationships between the use of classic psychedelic substances (psilocybin, LSD, peyote, and mescaline) and past year arrests for various crimes (i.e. property, violence, alcohol and substance use, miscellaneous crimes).

Methods:

This study used nationally representative data from The National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) (2015–2019) ( N = 211,549) to test the aforementioned associations.

Results:

Lifetime psilocybin use was associated with lowered odds of seven of 11 past year arrest variables (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) range = 0.30–0.73). Peyote was associated with reduced odds of motor vehicle theft (aOR = 0.30) and driving under the influence (aOR = 0.52), and mescaline was associated with reduced odds of drug possession/sale (aOR = 0.51). Virtually all other substances either shared no relationship to our outcomes or conferred higher odds of arrest.

Conclusion:

This study suggests that use of classic psychedelic substances is associated with lowered odds of crime arrests. Future research should explore whether causal factors and/or third variable factors (e.g. personality, political orientation) underlie the relationship between classic psychedelic use and reduced criminal behavior.
Bisphenol A reveals its obesogenic effects through disrupting glucose tolerance, oxidant–antioxidant balance, and modulating inflammatory cytokines and fibroblast growth factor in zebrafish
Authors: Beler Merih , Cansız Derya , Ünal İsmail , Üstündağ Ünsal V , Dandin Esra , Ak Esin , Alturfan A Ata , Emekli-Alturfan Ebru
Published: January 2022

Obesogens affect lipid metabolism, and genetic or epigenetic factors may also contribute to the progression of obesity. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are the most striking among obesogens. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an estrogenic EDC used in food containers, adhesives, dye powders, and dental fillers. We aimed to elucidate molecular mechanisms of BPA’s obesogenic effects focusing on obesogenic pathways in the liver including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and Dnmt3a which is its epigenetic regulator, oxidant-antioxidant status, and inflammatory cytokines. Zebrafish were divided into three groups as control, low-dose BPA (1 μm BPA), and high-dose BPA groups (10 μm BPA). At the end of 30 days, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed, fasting blood glucose levels were measured, and hepatopancreas tissues were taken. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and nitric oxide (NO) activities were examined in the hepatopancreas. Inflammatory cytokines, lepa, fgf21, and dnmt3a expressions were determined by RT-PCR. BPA exposure increased the body weights, il1ß, tnfα, il6, lepa, fgf21, and dnmt3a expressions, impaired glucose tolerance, and oxidant–antioxidant status in a dose-dependent manner. Hepatocyte degeneration, lipid vacuolization, and vasocongestion were observed in both BPA-exposed groups. Our study suggests impaired glucose tolerance, oxidant–antioxidant balance, increased inflammatory response, fgf21 expression, and dnmt3a expressions as the possible mechanisms for the BPA-induced obesity model in zebrafish.
Child Sexual Abuse Prevention: Parental Discussion, Protective Practices and Attitudes
Authors: Rudolph Julia I. , Walsh Kerryann , Shanley Dianne C. , Zimmer-Gembeck Melanie J.
Published: January 2022

Understanding parental practices and attitudes regarding child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention could be used to improve CSA prevention, but little information is available. In this study, we summarise survey data collected from 248 Australian and UK parents (87% female) with at least one child aged 6-11 years ( M = 8.6, SD = 1.8). This is the first study to quantify parental use of protective practices, other than prevention education, which may guard against CSA. Parental media mediation, which may safeguard against online dangers, was another unique focus of this study. Participants reported their discussion of sensitive topics with their children including CSA; behaviors that may reduce the incidence of CSA (e.g., monitoring, supervision, delegation of care and checking-in with the child); mediation of their child's media use; and attitudes towards CSA prevention education. Parents reported discussing sexual abuse less than other sensitive topics such as abduction dangers, drugs, and death but more than issues surrounding puberty, sex and pornography. Parents reported using high levels of protective behaviours, however some areas of concern were revealed. Of concern was the low-moderate level of parental media mediation, with substantial numbers of children potentially exposed to online risks such as using devices unsupervised in bedrooms or chatting to individuals unknown to their parents and not having their devices checked for concerning content. Almost all parents were supportive of CSA prevention education and felt they should provide this education. However, two-thirds of parents thought CSA education may be associated with harms for the child and two-thirds of parents believed children could prevent their own abuse. Reported results will aid in our understanding of which areas of parenting could be strengthened to create safer environments for children. This research has particularly highlighted the need for parents to be more protective around their children’s access to online devices.
Bezlotoxumab for Prevention of Recurrent Clostridioides difficile Infection With a Focus on Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Askar Sally F. , Kenney Rachel M. , Tariq Zain , Conner Ruth , Williams Jonathan , Ramesh Mayur , Alangaden George J.
Published: January 2022

Objectives: Approximately 25% of patients with Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) will experience recurrence, which is greater in immunocompromised patients. We report experience with an institutional guideline targeting high-risk immunocompromised patients. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort of consecutive patients with CDI who met institutional criteria for bezlotoxumab due to high risk for recurrent CDI between June 1, 2017, and November 30, 2018. The primary endpoint of recurrent CDI within 12 weeks was compared between patients who received the standard of care (SoC) plus or minus bezlotoxumab. Results: Twenty-three patients received bezlotoxumab infusion plus SoC and were compared to 30 SoC patients. 84% of patients were immunocompromised and 54.7% were transplant recipients. The primary endpoint occurred in 13% of bezlotoxumab patients compared to 23.3% of SoC patients. No serious adverse effects were identified. Conclusion: Bezlotoxumab was associated with a meaningful reduction in recurrent CDI in this cohort largely comprising immunocompromised and transplant patients. Larger studies are warranted to evaluate bezlotoxumab in this population.
Analytical representation and characteristics optimization for radial electromagnetic force of the switched reluctance motor under airgap eccentricity
Authors: Li Xu , Deng Zhaoxue , Liu Tianqin , Zhao Shuen
Published: January 2022

Aiming at the influence of radial electromagnetic force on vibration and noise of the switched reluctance motor (SRM), the radial electromagnetic force under airgap eccentricity is represented based on the virtual displacement principle and Maxwell stress tensor. Multi-objective optimization of motor electromagnetic characteristics including magnetostatic torque, radial electromagnetic force fluctuation, and unbalanced radial force amplitude is completed. First, the analytical representation for the radial electromagnetic force is obtained by the virtual displacement principle, and the expression of the unbalanced radial force caused by airgap eccentricity is deduced. Then, the spatial distribution of the radial electromagnetic force is modeled by the Maxwell stress tensor, which makes the radial electromagnetic force characterization more comprehensive. In order to improve the electromagnetic characteristics of the SRM under airgap eccentricity, sensitivity analysis and multi-objective optimization are carried out to obtain the optimal solution set of the motor structure parameters. The simulation results show that the radial electromagnetic force fluctuation and the unbalanced radial force amplitude decreases by 64.09% and 23.05%, respectively, when the magnetostatic torque is sacrificed by 6.36%, which provides a framework for multi-objective optimization of motor structure parameters.