bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sacrifices from relocation to a foreign land: Multifaceted challenges experienced by self-initiated expatriate female nurses during cross-cultural adjustment
Authors: Zakaria Norhayati , Yusuf Bibi Noraini Mohd
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this exploratory study is to understand the nature and multidimensional challenges of cross-cultural adjustment as experienced by female Malaysian self-initiated expatriates (SIE) working as registered nurses (RNs) in Saudi Arabia. In-depth interviews with twenty-two Malaysian SIE RNs provided rich data on their adjustment experiences. The resulting data were subjected to a qualitative content analysis using Black, Mendenhall, and Oddou's (Black et al., 1991) cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) model. The results show that the nurses faced several challenges. Five themes emerged: learning to speak Arabic, adapting to a confrontational communication style, facing new work practices, dealing with homesickness and loneliness, and adjusting to new gender norms at work and in public. This study contributes to our understanding of expatriate adjustment by providing new interpretations of the cultural challenges faced by female SIEs and the nature of their adjustment process. The results also support the literature on expatriation by highlighting the challenges of cultural adjustment and giving specific information on the conditions and constraints facing female RNs in Saudi Arabia, a subject that has received little critical attention so far.
Promoting Workplace Guidance and Workplace–School Collaboration in Vocational Training: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study
Authors: Nykänen Mikko , Kurki Anna-Leena , Airila Auli
Published: April 2022

The aim of this mixed-method pilot study was to expand the understanding of potential methods to support collaboration between vocational schools and workplaces and to enhance workplace guidance processes. Specifically, we evaluated whether a Cultural-historical Activity theory-based intervention program could have beneficial effects on school–workplace collaboration and on the individual-level competencies of the teachers and workplace personnel. Our results indicate that the change workshop provides a potential mechanism for enhancing personal competencies such as self-efficacy and for promoting collaboration between schools and workplaces, especially in terms of defining objectives for workplace learning. Our study also highlighted how the change workshop method has the potential to trigger expansive learning, in which school personnel and workplace trainers, through learning actions, can change and create new ways of working together. This study highlights the importance of providing workplaces and educational institutions with opportunities to share experiences and learn how to promote workplace-situated learning together.
Real simple symplectic triple systems
Authors: Draper Cristina , Elduque Alberto
Published: April 2022

The simple symplectic triple systems over the real numbers are classified up to isomorphism, and linear models of all of them are provided. Besides the split cases, there are two kinds of non-split real simple symplectic triple systems with classical enveloping algebra, called unitarian and quaternionic types, and five non-split real simple symplectic triple systems with exceptional enveloping algebra.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Alcohol Treatment Access and Harm Prevention in West Africa: Reports from NGOs and Community-Based Organizations
Authors: Swahn Monica H. , Balenger Adelaide , Umenze Franklin , Aneja Ritu , Bureh Thomas A. , W. Dumbili Emeka , Obot Isidore
Published: April 2022

Background

Recent research highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted alcohol consumption patterns, yet research thus far has largely overlooked the experience in West Africa. Research also has not addressed how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected access to alcohol treatment, support, and alcohol harm prevention. This study addresses this research gap in West Africa, a low-resource setting with a very high burden of alcohol harm.

Objectives

To understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on alcohol use, access to alcohol, treatment access, and alcohol harm prevention activities in West Africa.

Methods

This study analyzed data from a cross-sectional online survey conducted in August and September of 2020 and distributed by the West Africa Alcohol Policy Alliance to their member alliances and stakeholders across nine countries (N = 140 participants) to understand their perceptions on COVID-19 and alcohol-related topics.

Results

Our findings convey a significant adverse impact on alcohol-focused NGOs and community-based organizations in West Africa. Overall, 94% of participants indicated that the COVID-19 pandemic adversely impacted their organizations’ work. In addition, 71% of participants reported reduced access to alcohol treatment or support in their communities. Lastly, 44% of the respondents indicated that people in their community drank less alcohol than usual, and only 33% answered that they perceived it to be harder to get alcohol.

Conclusions

These data underscore the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across West Africa with respect to accessing alcohol treatment and organizational capacity to address alcohol harm. With the lack of infrastructure to address alcohol harm, this impact could exacerbate the high level of alcohol use and harm in the region.
The Challenge of Implementing Voluntary Sustainability Standards: A Dynamic Framework on the Tension between Adherence and Adaptation
Authors: Nava Lucrezia , Tampe Maja
Published: April 2022

Voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) aim to encourage ethical behaviors of organizations, yet studies show that many VSS adopters do not live up to these promises. Existing literature typically attributes the reason for this ineffectiveness to either policy–practice decoupling, owing to a lack of adhering to VSS requirements, or means–ends decoupling, owing to a lack of adapting to the local context. However, little is known about how the contradictory needs of adherence and adaptation evolve throughout VSS implementation. Building on the knowledge transfer literature, we develop a dynamic conceptual framework that distinguishes two phases of VSS implementation. Specifically, we theorize how tensions emerge in the transition between phases since the first phase primarily calls for adherence, whereas the second calls for adaptation. Applying this framework, we develop propositions to illustrate how these tensions relate to different VSS characteristics: stringency, enforcement, and scope. The article concludes with implications and future research directions for VSS scholarship.
A Human Security Angle of Conflicts: The Case of Farmer–Herder Conflict in Ghana
Authors: Marfo Samuel , Bolaji Mohammed Hadi Abdul-Ganiy , Tseer Tobias
Published: April 2022

In Ghana, the economic costs of violent conflicts (loss of jobs and revenue, drop in gross domestic product, and disruption of production chain) have been well documented. However, there is little scholarly work on such conflicts’ human security costs, a critical element in contemporary security management arrangements. This study examines the costs of violent conflicts from a human security perspective using the farmer–herder conflict in the Agogo community in the Ashanti region of Ghana as a case study. A total of 400 participants were randomly and purposely selected. A χ2 test was employed to determine the association of rape, armed robbery, arson and murder with the farmer–herder conflict. The study found that at a 5% margin of error, the p value for armed robbery was 0.01, rape was 0.01, arson was 0.03 and murder was 0.00, indicating a close association between these variables and the conflict.
Advisory Opinion 001/2020 on the Right to Participate in the Government of one's Country in the Context of an Election held During a Pandemic such as the COVID-19 Crisis (Afr. Ct. H.P.R.)
Authors: Mwangi Jacquelene
Published: April 2022

One of the many implications of the measures taken to contain the spread of the COVID-19 crisis was the potential limitation of citizens to participate in their governments, namely through free, fair, and transparent elections. Recognizing the risks this would pose to political stability and governmental legitimacy in Africa, the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU) submitted a Request for an Advisory Opinion to the African Court of Human and Peoples' Rights (the Court) on the right of citizens to participate in the government of their country in the context of an election during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Court's Opinion was that the decision to conduct or postpone elections was a matter of domestic law, but that any such decision had to comply with regional and international standards on restriction and suspension of rights during emergencies.
Comparative study on single-incident and dual-incident shock wave/turbulent boundary layer interactions with identical total deflection angle
Authors: Li Xin , Zhang Yue , Tan Huijun , Jin Yi , Li Chao
Published: April 2022

Interactions between the boundary layer and two successive incident shock waves (ISWs) often occur in the supersonic mixed-compression inlets. However, the flow mechanism involved in such interactions has been studied rarely. In this study, we investigate experimentally and analytically the turbulent boundary layer separation flow induced by the single ISW and dual ISWs at the identical total deflection angles in a Mach 2.73 flow. Schlieren photography, wall pressure measurement and surface oil-flow visualisation are employed to diagnose the flow field. Experiments with the impingement points of the two ISWs intersecting on the bottom wall exhibit a separated flow with a triangle-like separation bubble, namely the first kind of dual-ISW/turbulent boundary layer interaction (ISWTBLI). Comparative studies show that various flow features of this kind of dual-ISWTBLI, including the extent of the separation region, pressure distribution and surface-flow topological structures, are nearly identical to those of the single-ISWTBLI with an identical total deflection angle. As the distance between the two ISWs increases, the shape of the separation region in the dual-ISWTBLI changes from triangle-like to quadrilateral-like, and the height of the separation region decreases accordingly, forming the second kind of dual-ISWTBLI. Furthermore, an inviscid model is developed for the dual-ISWTBLI to describe the complex shock wave system and elucidate the cause of a quadrilateral-like separation bubble in the second kind of dual-ISWTBLI. Moreover, based on a previous work by Souverein et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 714, 2013, pp. 505–535) on the single-ISWTBLI, a modified scaling method is established for the first kind of dual-ISWTBLI.
Batchelor Prize Lecture: Measurements in wall-bounded turbulence
Authors: Smits Alexander J.
Published: April 2022

Our understanding of turbulent boundary layer scaling and structure has advanced greatly in the past 20 to 30 years. On the computational side, direct numerical simulations and large-eddy simulations have made extraordinary contributions as numerical methods and computational resources have advanced, while on the experimental side major advances in instrumentation have made available new imaging and quantitative techniques that provide unprecedented accuracy and detail. Here, I illustrate how the development of such experimental methods have aided our progress by reference to some particular topics related to the structure of turbulent boundary layers: the power law scaling of the mean velocity and its relationship to the mesolayer; the scaling of the outer layer with regard to the log law in turbulence; the development of the outer peak; and the scaling of the turbulent stresses in the near-wall region, with an emphasis on the streamwise component.
Exponential decay for the KdV equation on ℝ with new localized dampings
Authors: Wang Ming , Zhou Deqin
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we prove several results on the exponential decay in $L^{2}$ norm of the KdV equation on the real line with localized dampings. First, for the linear KdV equation, the exponential decay holds if and only if the averages of the damping coefficient on all intervals of a fixed length have a positive lower bound. Moreover, under the same damping condition, the exponential decay holds for the (nonlinear) KdV equation with small initial data. Finally, with the aid of certain properties of propagation of regularity in Bourgain spaces for solutions of the associated linear system and the unique continuation property, the exponential decay for the KdV equation with large data holds if the damping coefficient has a positive lower bound on $E$, where $E$ is equidistributed over the real line and the complement $E^{c}$ has a finite Lebesgue measure.
Sulh-i kull to Vedānta: The Dādū Panth and the Mughal-Rajput imperial paradigm
Authors: Rajpurohit Dalpat S.
Published: April 2022

Centred on the ‘devotion to the ineffable divine’ (nirguṇ bhakti), the sectarian community known as the Dādū Panth (lit. ‘Dādū's path) had a class of sant-intellectuals who conceived their tradition on high literary and philosophical grounds. Succeeding on the local level, but aspiring to imperial ties, the intellectuals of the Dādū Panth not only built their community identity in relation to the Mughal-Rajput imperial milieu but also to the overlapping ideals of emerging sulh-i kull (universal peace) and Vedānta paradigms. Such expertise on the part of the Dādū Panthīs made their ties with the Marwar royal polity strong and long-lasting, as demonstrated in their hagiographical accounts which are corroborated by land grants by the kingdom. Later in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, when the imperial order was waning, the Dādū Panthīs expanded their networks in the Rajput courts of not only Rajasthan, but also Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. The sants of the bhakti movement(s) are normally thought to have had a lower-caste base—and thus a subaltern voice—but the example of the Dādū Panth presented in this article demonstrates that sants’ social base was broad and that the interrelation of sant-bhakti with the courtly order was strong; sant-bhakti therefore needs to be rethought in the study of bhakti traditions.
Special issue on recent advances in field and service robotics: handling harsh environments and cooperation
Authors: Ha Quang P. , La Hung M. , Wang Shuo , Balaguer Carlos
Published: April 2022

This Special Issue of theRoboticais on recent advances in field and service robotics with a focus on the use of robotic and autonomous technologies to handle tasks in harsh environments and tasks that involve the multirobot cooperation and human–robot interactions.
Suicide versus Euthanasia in the American Press in the 1890s and 1900s: “A Man Should be Permitted to Go Out of This World Whenever He Sees Fit”
Authors: YUILL KEVIN
Published: April 2022

Toleration of suicide and the campaign to legalize euthanasia, this article shows, are historically separate developments. From the early 1880s to the 1900s the American press featured moral discussions of suicide alongside gloomy roll calls and expressions of anxiety about an alleged increase in suicide. Focusing on an extensive discussion in the San Francisco Call in 1896, the article shows that Robert G. Ingersoll’s liberal individualist toleration of suicide clearly resonated with many Americans at the time. I trace the rise of suicide from private tragedy to public issue in the United States. Perhaps surprisingly, there was no crossover with euthanasia and no call whatever for assistance with suicide, despite the frequent employment of the plight of the terminally ill in the discussion. Finally, the article shows that those who called for euthanasia thought of it as a human utility and not a right.
Voters in a Foreign Land: Alien Suffrage in the United States, 1704–1926
Authors: KENNEDY ALAN H.
Published: April 2022

As early as 1704, noncitizen immigrants were legally allowed to vote in what would become the United States. By the end of the eighteenth century, noncitizens could legally vote in most states. State lawmakers offered the franchise as an incentive for white, male, Europeans of working age to migrate. However, rising immigration and nativism led states to reconsider alien suffrage, as noncitizen voting was known, and alien suffrage nearly disappeared by the 1840s. Revived by territorial expansion, demands for cheap labor, urbanization, racism, and sexism, alien suffrage expanded in the mid-to-late nineteenth century, peaking a century after the nation’s founding. However, resurgent nativism, wartime xenophobia, and corruption concerns pushed lawmakers to curtail noncitizen voting, and citizenship became a voting prerequisite in every state by 1926.
Adolescent peer struggles predict accelerated epigenetic aging in midlife
Authors: Allen Joseph P. , Danoff Joshua S. , Costello Meghan A. , Loeb Emily L. , Davis Alida A. , Hunt Gabrielle L. , Gregory Simon G. , Giamberardino Stephanie N. , Connelly Jessica J.
Published: April 2022

This study examined struggles to establish autonomy and relatedness with peers in adolescence and early adulthood as predictors of advanced epigenetic aging assessed at age 30. Participants (N= 154; 67 male and 87 female) were observed repeatedly, along with close friends and romantic partners, from ages 13 through 29. Observed difficulty establishing close friendships characterized by mutual autonomy and relatedness from ages 13 to 18, an interview-assessed attachment state of mind lacking autonomy and valuing of attachment at 24, and self-reported difficulties in social integration across adolescence and adulthood were all linked to greater epigenetic age at 30, after accounting for chronological age, gender, race, and income. Analyses assessing the unique and combined effects of these factors, along with lifetime history of cigarette smoking, indicated that each of these factors, except for adult social integration, contributed uniquely to explaining epigenetic age acceleration. Results are interpreted as evidence that the adolescent preoccupation with peer relationships may be highly functional given the relevance of such relationships to long-term physical outcomes.
Dragon and bear dancing a waltz under the sharp-clawed eagle: three critical junctures, aggravating threat perceptions, and evolving strategic ties between China and Russia
Authors: Kwon Jaebeom , Jeh Sung Hoon , Lee Kihyun
Published: April 2022

In the contemporary world order, one of the most attention-getting issues is the recent consolidation of defense and strategic engagement between China and Russia, specifically since the early 2010s. Throughout a critical juncture angle, this study attempts to explain what led to the reinforcement of these China–Russia relations, and how their strategic ties have evolved. This study argues that the three critical junctures driven by the USA – the US Pivot to Asia, the Ukraine Crisis and the US-led sanctions against Russia, and the US THAAD deployment to Korea – aggravated China and Russia's perception of threat from the USA, which contributed to the incremental China–Russia strategic and defense ties.
Cliffhanger als gewinnbringendes Stilmittel bei der Leseförderung?
Authors: Spilles Markus
Published: April 2022

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: In der Vergangenheit wurden bereits zahlreiche Leseförderkonzepte erfolgreich evaluiert. Ein Desiderat besteht jedoch im Bereich der Materialanalyse. Die aktuelle Pilotstudie überprüft, ob im Rahmen einer Leseförderung variierende Texteinteilungen die Lesefreude und die Erinnerung an Textinhalte beeinflussen könnten. Methoden: N = 109 Kindern aus dritten und vierten Klassen wurden zwei Versionen eines kurzen Erzähltextes vorgelegt, die sich lediglich im Hinblick auf die Einteilung in Sinnabschnitte unterschieden. Über diesen Weg wurden vorhandene oder nicht vorhandene spannungsreiche Handlungsunterbrechungen (Cliffhanger) am Ende der Textabschnitte evoziert. Die Kinder wurden randomisiert auf zwei Bedingungen (Cliffhangergruppe, Kontrollgruppe ohne Cliffhanger) aufgeteilt. Anschließend wurden im Rahmen einer Leseverständnisförderung die Texte abschnittsweise durchgearbeitet. Ergebnisse: Kinder der Cliffhangergruppe schätzten nach der Leseförderung die erlebte Lesefreude signifikant günstiger ein, konnten sich jedoch auch signifikant schlechter an die Textinhalte erinnern als die Kinder der Kontrollgruppe. Diskussion: Cliffhanger könnten somit tatsächlich die Lesefreude bei der Umsetzung von Lesefördermethoden steigern. Im Hinblick auf das Textverständnis werden jedoch möglicherweise zusätzliche kognitive Ressourcen beansprucht, was eine Verarbeitung der Inhalte erschwert. Dieser Hypothese müsste in zukünftigen Studien nachgegangen werden.
Mechanisms of Estuarine Salt‐Plug Formation by an Along‐Shelf Buoyant Current: A Numerical Model Approach
Authors: Juarez Braulio , Valle‐Levinson Arnoldo , Canestrelli Alberto
Published: April 2022

While estuarine salt plugs can develop worldwide in basins adjacent to buoyant coastal currents, their formation has been scarcely documented. This study aims to investigate a mechanism for salt‐plug formation that disregards evaporation processes but involves a buoyant coastal current modified by wind stresses. A numerical model, Delft3D, is used to study the salt‐plug formation in an idealized bay connected to the ocean by a single inlet. Inspired by recent observations, the numerical experiments simulate eight different scenarios of tidal and wind forcing under the influence of an along‐shelf buoyant current. Results show salt‐plug formation that induces inverse exchange at the inlet, with inflow at the surface and outflow underneath. This exchange circulation is modified by wind action. The persistence of the salt plug depends on tidal flushing and on wind forcing. Two numerical experiments with nonstationary buoyant currents and nonstationary winds indicate that: (a) a salt plug forms when a buoyant current is active on the shelf and traps salty water that enters the bay during times of buoyant current relaxation; (b) the presence of the buoyant current induces an inverse circulation at the inlet, modified by the wind action; and (c) onshore and then downwelling winds enhance the inverse circulation at the inlet, while offshore and then upwelling winds stall it. Bay flushing times increase due to the presence of the salt plug. This study represents an initial attempt to identify the role of wind and buoyant coastal currents on salt‐plug formation.
Production of Terrestrial Gamma‐Ray Flashes During the Early Stages of Lightning Flashes
Authors: Lindanger A. , Skeie C. A. , Marisaldi M. , Bjørge‐Engeland I. , Østgaard N. , Mezentsev A. , Sarria D. , Lehtinen N. , Reglero V. , Chanrion O. , Neubert T.
Published: April 2022

Terrestrial Gamma‐ray Flashes (TGFs) are short emissions of high energy photons associated with thunderstorms. It has been known since the discovery of TGFs that they are associated with lightning, and several case studies have shown that the TGFs are produced at the initial phase of the lightning flash. However, it has not been tested whether this is true in general. By using the largest TGF sample up to date, combined with ground‐based radio lightning detection data, we perform a statistical study to test this. One of the TGF missions is the Atmosphere‐Space Interactions Monitor (ASIM) consisting of the innovative combination of X‐ and gamma‐ray detectors, optical photometers and cameras. This allows us to investigate the temporal relation between gamma‐rays produced by TGFs and the optical signal produced by lightning discharges. Based on stacking analysis of the TGF sample and ground‐based measurements of associated lightning activity, together with the high temporal resolution of the optical signal from the ASIM photometers, it is shown that TGFs are produced in the beginning of the lightning flashes. In addition, for a significant fraction of the TGFs, the lightning activity detected in radio is enhanced in an interval between 150 and 750 ms following the TGFs, and is co‐located with the lightning associated with the TGFs. The enhanced lightning activity is not evident in a randomly selected sample of flashes. This indicates that the activity between 150 and 750 ms is a characteristic property of a significant fraction of flashes that start with a TGF.
Can the Magmatic Conditions of the Martian Nakhlites be Discerned via Investigation of Clinopyroxene and Olivine Intracrystalline Misorientations?
Authors: Griffin S. , Daly L. , Piazolo S. , Forman L. V. , Cohen B. E. , Lee M. R. , Trimby P. W. , Baumgartner R. J. , Benedix G. K. , Hoefnagels B.
Published: April 2022

Deformation is a near ubiquitous process that is observed within nearly all naturally forming rocks. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a technique that enables slip‐systems (a form of plastic deformation) to be inferred from intracrystalline misorientations at a comparable scale to the representative CPO analysis (≥300 crystals for the nakhlites). Extensive laboratory and studies on naturally occurring samples have identified preferential mantle condition extrinsic parameters for specific slip‐system signatures within olivine and clinopyroxene. Intracrystalline misorientation patterns for olivine and augite (high Ca‐clinopyroxene) for 16 different Martian nakhlite meteorites (21 sections) were analyzed and assessed against these known parameters. Investigation of high and low deformation regions within the nakhlites revealed a shift in intracrystalline misorientation patterns for 10 of the 21 sections. Interpreted as both shock (high deformations) and emplacement (low deformation) signatures, the observed variations in deformation patterns for the two main regimes of deformation indicate heterogeneous sampling of the nakhlite source crater. Our findings indicate that shock deformation is prevalent throughout the nakhlites, and that great care needs to be taken when interpreting intracrystalline misorientations of crystals within apparent lower deformation regions.
After a Hurricane, Coastal Systems Draw a Line in the Sand
Authors: Besl J.
Published: April 2022

A new study finds nature can’t have it both ways: On the basis of thousands of case studies from dozens of hurricanes, there’s always a trade-off between resistance and resilience.
Sediments Within the Icy North Polar Deposits of Mars Record Recent Impacts and Volcanism
Authors: Sinha Prakhar , Horgan Briony
Published: April 2022

The North Polar Layered Deposits (NPLD) of Mars are ice‐rich sedimentary layers that formed under the influence of Mars' modern climate and thus record the recent climatic history of Mars, analogous to terrestrial ice sheets. The 2013–2023 Planetary Science Decadal Survey recommends a lander mission to sample the NPLD for climatic records; however, linking the geologic record to the climatic history will require quantitative dating of the NPLD. In this study we use orbital reflectance spectroscopy to show for the first time that dateable mafic lithics are present throughout the NPLD. We find significant glass as well as diverse crystalline minerals, which suggests that surface processes like impacts and volcanism were active during the late Amazonian and transported sediments from across the planet to the north pole. In situ investigation of the NPLD will thus provide critical quantitative constraints on both the recent geologic and climatic histories of Mars.
Proteomic profiling of postmortem prefrontal cortex tissue of suicide completers
Authors: Kim Min Ji , Do Misol , Han Dohyun , Son Minsoo , Shin Dongyoon , Yeo Injoon , Yun Young Hyun , Yoo Seong Ho , Choi Hyung Jin , Shin Daun , Rhee Sang Jin , Ahn Yong Min , Kim Youngsoo
Published: April 2022

Suicide is a leading cause of death worldwide, presenting a serious public health problem. We aimed to investigate the biological basis of suicide completion using proteomics on postmortem brain tissue. Thirty-six postmortem brain samples (23 suicide completers and 13 controls) were collected. We evaluated the proteomic profile in the prefrontal cortex (Broadmann area 9, 10) using tandem mass tag-based quantification with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Bioinformatics tools were used to elucidate the biological mechanisms related to suicide. Subgroup analysis was conducted to identify common differentially expressed proteins among clinically different groups. Of 9801 proteins identified, 295 were differentially expressed between groups. Suicide completion samples were mostly enriched in the endocannabinoid and apoptotic pathways (CAPNS1, CSNK2B, PTP4A2). Among the differentially expressed proteins, GSTT1 was identified as a potential biomarker among suicide completers with psychiatric disorders. Our findings suggest that the previously under-recognized endocannabinoid system and apoptotic processes are highly involved in suicide.
Lateral reading and monetary incentives to spot disinformation about science
Authors: Panizza Folco , Ronzani Piero , Martini Carlo , Mattavelli Simone , Morisseau Tiffany , Motterlini Matteo
Published: April 2022

Disinformation about science can impose enormous economic and public health burdens. A recently proposed strategy to help online users recognise false content is to follow the techniques of professional fact checkers, such as looking for information on other websites (lateral reading) and looking beyond the first results suggested by search engines (click restraint). In two preregistered online experiments (N = 5387), we simulated a social media environment and tested two interventions, one in the form of a pop-up meant to advise participants to follow such techniques, the other based on monetary incentives. We measured participants’ ability to identify whether information was scientifically valid or invalid. Analysis of participants’ search style reveals that both monetary incentives and pop-up increased the use of fact-checking strategies. Monetary incentives were overall effective in increasing accuracy, whereas the pop-up worked when the source of information was unknown. Pop-up and incentives, when used together, produced a cumulative effect on accuracy. We suggest that monetary incentives enhance content relevance, and could be combined with fact-checking techniques to counteract disinformation.
Poor perception of chronic kidney diseases and its influencing factors among diabetics patients
Authors: Shah Shamsul Azhar , Anuar Haryati , Abdul Gafor Abdul Halim , Abdullah Nik Nairan
Published: April 2022

Purpose We aimed to determine predictors of chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevention among patients with diabetes. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 selected respondents based on socio-demographic, socio-economic, general CKD perception knowledge, self-monitoring advocacy, preventive behavior, treatment compliance, and psychosocial factors. Using multiple logistic regression, variables and their association with impaired perception of CKD prevention were analyzed. Results Overall, 74% had poor perception regarding CKD prevention (68.7% of men and 31.3% of women). In multivariable analysis, those with weak illness identity fear were two times more likely to have poor perceptions (95% CI 1.563–3.196, p < 0.001). Respondents with weak medical practice (AOR = 2.33, 95% CI 1.609–2.381, p < 0.001) and weak cooperation (AOR = 1.563; 95% CI 1.099–2.224, p < 0.001) were more likely to have poor perceptions on CKD prevention. Concerning poor perception, significant predictors were self-employment, housewives, working in private jobs, weak knowledge on clear glycosuria, sleep problems, print media, digital media, illness identity fear, weak medical practice, and weak co-operation factors. Conclusion Media support is crucial for supporting and improving positive views regarding CKD knowledge. Interventions to reach people with limited awareness on CKD prevention, lower socioeconomic status, and poor social support may improve identification of patients with early-stage CKD. Particular care should be taken to recognize and provide necessary services regarding the early detection of CKD.
Two-step heat fusion kinetics and mechanical performance of thermoplastic interfaces
Authors: Wang Shijun , Shi Jiaxin , Shimizu Takayuki , Xu Jun , Xu Zhiping
Published: April 2022

Thermoplastic polymers and composites are ubiquitous in the industry for their reshaping and fusing capabilities at elevated temperatures. The quality of heat-fused thermoplastic interfaces is of great concern for adhesion, coating, and welding applications, especially those between dissimilar materials. Kinetic evolution of the microstructures defines the mechanical performance of heat-fusion thermoplastic interfaces, which is studied here using polyethylene and polypropylene as an example. Key factors such as the viscosity and compatibility of polymers and the time and temperature of fusion are discussed by combining molecular-level simulations and structural-level hot-compression experiments. Inter-diffusion and entanglement of polymer chains are identified as the two elementary kinetic steps of the fusion, which dominate the control on the stiffness and strength of the interfaces, respectively. Experimental data shows that the quality of fused interfaces can be improved by reducing the viscosity and the interaction parameter. Following the same set of time-scaling relations as identified in the simulations, the two-step characteristics and their effects on the stiffness and strength are experimentally validated. Both simulation and the experiment results show that Young’s modulus of fused interfaces recovers faster than the strength that is controlled by polymer entanglement to a large extent, rather than diffusion. These findings add insights into the design of fusion processes, laying the ground for the applications of thermoplastic polymers and composites.
Rhoifolin from Plumula Nelumbinis exhibits anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer via AKT/JNK signaling pathways
Authors: Zheng Bingxin , Zheng Yixin , Zhang Ningning , Zhang Yi , Zheng Baodong
Published: April 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the anti-pancreatic cancer effects of flavonoids in Plumula Nelumbinis. High-performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry showed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin were three principal components in total flavonoids derived from Plumula Nelumbinis, with vitexin being the most abundant component. Cell viability assay revealed that apiin, rhoifolin, and vitexin could inhibit proliferation of PANC-1 and ASPC-1, with rhoifolin showing the maximum inhibitory effect. Rhoifolin inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells, which was associated with up-regulated JNK and p-JNK as well as down-regulated p-AKT. Rhoifolin also inhibited cell migration and invasion, and increased the antioxidant capacity in PANC-1 and ASPC-1. Besides, AKT activator (SC79) or JNK inhibitor (SP600125) effectively reversed the anticancer effects of rhoifolin in pancreatic cancer. Quantitative proteomics analysis showed that rhoifolin altered proteomic profiles in pancreatic cancer cells. Western blot analysis showed that rhoifolin down-regulated transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2), the regulator of proteoglycan synthesis, with the concomitant down-regulation of phosphorylated SMAD family member 2 (SMAD2), the downstream effector of TGF-β2. In conclusion, rhoifolin regulates the AKT/JNK/caspase-3 and TGF-β2/SMAD2 signaling pathways, which may contribute to its anti-pancreatic cancer effects.
Novel therapeutic strategy for melanoma based on albendazole and the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib
Authors: Zhu Lin , Yang Qin , Hu Rong , Li Yanan , Peng Yuanliang , Liu Hong , Ye Mao , Zhang Bin , Zhang Peihe , Liu-Smith Feng , Li Hui , Liu Jing
Published: April 2022

Although an increasing number of patients benefit from immunotherapy and targeted therapies, melanoma remains incurable with increasing incidence. Drug repositioning and repurposing is an alternative strategy to discover and develop novel anticancer drugs or combined therapeutic regimens. In this study, we demonstrated that albendazole (ABZ), an Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved broad-spectrum antiparasitic agent, significantly inhibits the proliferation of melanoma cells in vitro and in vivo. RNA sequencing and flow cytometry analysis revealed that ABZ arrests melanoma cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle and induces cell apoptosis. More importantly, the CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib, as a member of the first and only class of highly specific CDK inhibitors approved for cancer treatment to date, showed significant synergistic effects with ABZ treatment in melanoma cells and mouse models. Taken together, we revealed a previously unappreciated function of ABZ in antimelanoma proliferation by inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and provided a novel combined therapeutic regimen of ABZ plus CDK4/6 inhibitor treatment in melanoma.
Different methods of detaching adherent cells and their effects on the cell surface expression of Fas receptor and Fas ligand
Authors: Lai Ting-Yu , Cao Jerry , Ou-Yang Pu , Tsai Ching-Yi , Lin Chih-Wen , Chen Chien-Chia , Tsai Meng-Kun , Lee Chih-Yuan
Published: April 2022

In cell culture environment, some cells adhere firmly to the culture plates and may be vulnerable to cell detachment during passage. Therefore, it is important to harvest cells with a proper detaching method to maintain the viability of cells after detachment. Trypsinization is frequently used for cellular dissociation and detachment. However, most surface proteins and the extracellular matrix are degraded by enzymatic digestion. A mild cell detachment buffer, accutase, is recommended for the replacement of trypsin to dissociate adherent cells and thereby avoid cellular damage. In this study, we demonstrated that use of accutase for cellular detachment may compromise some surface proteins. Compared with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-based nonenzymatic cell dissociation buffers, accutase was associated with significant decreases in the surface Fas ligands and Fas receptors. Moreover, we found that accutase may be able to cleave surface Fas ligands into pieces. Our results also illustrated that surface proteins required 20 h to recover after accutase treatment. We demonstrated that using accutase to dissociate adherent cells compromised the expression of Fas ligands and Fas receptors on the cell surface. These findings indicate that it is important to choose suitable cell detachment buffers and allow cells to recover after detachment before experiments.
Cardioprotective effect of extracellular vesicles derived from ticagrelor-pretreated cardiomyocyte on hyperglycemic cardiomyocytes through alleviation of oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Bitirim Ceylan Verda , Ozer Zeynep Busra , Aydos Dunya , Genc Kardelen , Demirsoy Seyma , Akcali Kamil Can , Turan Belma
Published: April 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in diabetes mellitus (DM) via connecting the immune cell response to tissue injury, besides stimulation to muscle insulin resistance, while DM is associated with increased risks for major cardiovascular complications. Under DM, chronic hyperglycemia, and subsequent increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) further lead to cardiac growth remodeling and dysfunction. The purinergic drug ticagrelor is a P2Y12 receptor antagonist. Although it is widely used in cardioprotection, the underlying molecular mechanism of its inhibitory effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy is poorly elucidated. Here, we aimed to understand how ticagrelor exerts its cardio-regulatory effects. For this purpose, we investigated the anti-oxidative and cardioprotective effect of EVs derived from ticagrelor-pretreated cardiomyocytes under DM conditions. To mimic DM in cardiomyocytes, we used high glucose incubated H9c2-cells (HG). HG cells were treated with EVs, which were derived from either ticagrelor-pretreated or untreated H9c2-cells. Our results demonstrated that ticagrelor-pretreated H9c2-derived EVs significantly decreased the hyperglycemia-induced aberrant ROS production, prevented the development of apoptosis and ER stress, and alleviated oxidative stress associated miRNA-expression profile. Importantly, EVs derived from ticagrelor-pretreated H9c2-cells enhanced endothelial cell migration and tube formation, suggesting a modulation of the EV profile in cardiomyocytes. Our data, for the first time, indicate that ticagrelor can exert an important regulatory effect on diabetic cardiomyopathy through extracellular vesicular modulation behind its receptor-inhibition-related effects.
How much of the female disadvantage in late-life cognition in India can be explained by education and gender inequality
Authors: Jain Urvashi , Angrisani Marco , Langa Kenneth M. , Sekher T. V. , Lee Jinkook
Published: April 2022

In social environments characterized by high levels of gender inequality, women fare worse than men in human capital accumulation and health. We examine the association of gender inequality with female disadvantage in late-life cognitive function, using newly available data from Wave 1 (2017–2019) of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India (LASI), representative of the Indian population over the age of 45. We find a substantial female gap in cognition among mid-aged and older adults in India; early life socioeconomic conditions and education explain up to 74 percent of the female disadvantage in cognition, and model predictions suggest that it takes nine years of education on average to overcome this deficit. However, further contextualizing the environment, we find that the level of education at which differences in late-life cognition between women and men become negligible increases with the degree of gender inequality.
Incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes and its association with inter-pregnancy interval: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jena Belayneh Hamdela , Biks Gashaw Andargie , Gete Yigzaw Kebede , Gelaye Kassahun Alemu
Published: April 2022

Preterm premature rupture of membranes is one of the causes of premature birth and perinatal deaths, particularly in developing countries due to poor access and availability of medical resources to manage and sustain the pregnancy to term. Although, several risk factors for preterm premature rupture of membranes were identified, its association with inter-pregnancy interval was understudied. Therefore, we aimed to assess the incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes and its association with inter-pregnancy interval in urban South Ethiopia. A community-based prospective cohort study was conducted among 2578 pregnant women, and followed until delivery. A generalized linear model for binary outcome was applied for the analysis, using a 95% confidence level and P-value. The incidence of preterm premature rupture of membranes was 2%, 95% CI: 2%, 3%. However, the incidence was varied across the months of inter-pregnancy intervals 4% (< 18 months), 2% (18–23 months) and 1% (24–60 months). The risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes was nearly three times (ARR = 2.59, 95%CI: 1.27, 5.29) higher for women with inter-pregnancy intervals < 18 months than 24–60 months. Inter-pregnancy interval under 18 months increases the risk of preterm premature rupture of membranes, highlighting the need to improve pregnancy spacing in the community.
Positron emission tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the brain in experimental human malaria, a prospective cohort study
Authors: Woodford John , Gillman Ashley , Jenvey Peter , Roberts Jennie , Woolley Stephen , Barber Bridget E. , Fernandez Melissa , Rose Stephen , Thomas Paul , Anstey Nicholas M. , McCarthy James S.
Published: April 2022

Cerebral malaria is the most serious manifestation of severe falciparum malaria. Sequestration of infected red blood cells and microvascular dysfunction are key contributing processes. Whether these processes occur in early stage disease prior to clinical manifestations is unknown. To help localize and understand these processes during the early stages of infection, we performed 18-F fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging in volunteers with Plasmodium falciparum induced blood stage malaria (IBSM) infection, and compared results to individuals with P. vivax infection, in whom coma is rare. Seven healthy, malaria-naïve participants underwent imaging at baseline, and at early symptom onset a median 9 days following inoculation (n = 4 P. falciparum, n = 3 P. vivax). Participants with P. falciparum infection demonstrated marked lability in radiotracer uptake across all regions of the brain, exceeding expected normal variation (within subject coefficient of variation (wCV): 14.4%) compared to the relatively stable uptake in participants with P. vivax infection (wCV: 3.5%). No consistent imaging changes suggestive of microvascular dysfunction were observed in either group. Neuroimaging in early IBSM studies is safe and technically feasible, with preliminary results suggesting that differences in brain tropism between P. falciparum and P. vivax may occur very early in infection.
Development of a mobile low-field MRI scanner
Authors: Deoni Sean C. L. , Medeiros Paul , Deoni Alexandra T. , Burton Phoebe , Beauchemin Jennifer , D’Sa Viren , Boskamp Eddy , By Samantha , McNulty Chris , Mileski William , Welch Brian E. , Huentelman Matthew
Published: April 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) allows important visualization of the brain and central nervous system anatomy and organization. However, unlike electroencephalography (EEG) or functional near infrared spectroscopy, which can be brought to a patient or study participant, MRI remains a hospital or center-based modality. Low magnetic field strength MRI systems, however, offer the potential to extend beyond these traditional hospital and imaging center boundaries. Here we describe the development of a modified cargo van that incorporates a removable low-field permanent magnet MRI system and demonstrate its proof-of-concept. Using phantom scans and in vivo T2-weighted neuroimaging data, we show no significant differences with respect to geometric distortion, signal-to-noise ratio, or tissue segmentation outcomes in data acquired in the mobile system compared to a similar static system in a laboratory setting. These encouraging results show, for the first time, MRI that can be performed at a participant’s home, community center, school, etc. Breaking traditional barriers of access, this mobile approach may enable imaging of patients and participants who have mobility challenges, live long distances from imaging centers, or are otherwise unable to travel to an imaging center or hospital.
Strain modulation in small molecule physisorption in two dimensions: LEED structure analysis and DFT modeling of the system
Authors: Vogt Jochen
Published: April 2022

Surface structure analysis of the physisorption system NaCl(100)/Acetylene using quantitative low-energy electron diffraction (LEED) in combination with density functional theory (DFT).
A multifunctional hydrogel dressing with antibacterial properties for effective wound healing
Authors: Zhang Ye , Yang Dan , Guo Wei , Zhang Feng , Lin Huiming , Yu Kai , Yang Chunyu , Qu Fengyu
Published: April 2022

Silver-doped yolk-like nickel sulfide is developed as “six-in-one” multifunctional hydrogel dressing with significant potential for effective antibacterial wound healing applications.
Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans): effect of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion on the bioaccessibility and antioxidant capacity of phytochemicals
Authors: Sánchez-Recillas Edelmira , Campos-Vega Rocio , Pérez-Ramírez Iza Fernanda , Luzardo-Ocampo Ivan , Cuéllar-Núñez Mardey Liceth , Vergara-Castañeda Haydé Azeneth
Published: April 2022

Garambullo (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), endemic fruit from Mexico, contains several bioactive compounds (phenolic compounds, betalains, antioxidant fiber), highlighting it as a good functional food.