bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonographic comparison of the intermediate patellar ligament in warmbloods versus quarter horses
Authors: Cannon Joanna K. , Ellis Katherine L.
Published: January 2023

Striations are present on ultrasonography of the intermediate (middle) patellar ligament in the transverse plane, which can be confused with tears. Comparison to the contralateral limb is often performed to help differentiate anatomic variation from pathologic change. The purposes of this prospective, observational study were to describe the striation patterns in Warmbloods and Quarter Horses, determine if these patterns are bilaterally symmetrical, and compare striation characteristics between Warmbloods and Quarter Horses. The intermediate patellar ligaments of six Warmblood horses and six Quarter horses, free from clinical signs of hindlimb lameness and in full work, were examined ultrasonographically. Striation pattern, striation number, and the transverse‐sectional areas for intermediate patellar ligaments were compared between Warmbloods and Quarter horses. Striation patterns were also compared for the left and right limbs of each horse. A significant difference between breeds was identified at the mid‐portion of the intermediate patellar ligament when both left and right ligaments were included (P = 0.02) and when comparing the right intermediate patellar ligament (P = 0.02). There were no other significant breed differences, and a parallel pattern was the most common pattern type. Two‐thirds of the horses in this study had bilaterally symmetrical patterns within the distal aspect of their intermediate patellar ligaments, while one‐third of the population were asymmetric. These results show that comparison of the contralateral limb during ultrasonography to determine if changes within the distal aspect of the intermediate patellar ligament are normal striations versus tears may lead to misdiagnosis in one‐third of horses, regardless of breed. Other signs of pathology on ultrasonography should be used instead.
Characterisation of Czech arable weed communities according to management and production area considering the prevalence of herbicide‐resistant species
Authors: Kolářová Michaela , Piskáčková Theresa A. Reinhardt , Tyšer Luděk , Hoová Thien T.
Published: January 2023

Herbicide resistance is a widespread issue that impacts management of conventional farms, but also has ramifications for the weed community assembly; it is therefore important to see how these species factor into the weed community assembly of farms throughout the countryside. This research analysed species richness and community diversity in 98 field relevés from 48 organic and 50 conventional farms evenly distributed between two major production regions of the Czech Republic and then evaluated the incidence of species which have been reported resistant in the Czech Republic and its neighbouring countries. Farms were selected independently of any acknowledged resistant species. Out of 164 species found in this survey, only eight species have had herbicide‐resistant biotypes reported in the Czech Republic, while a total of 19 species had herbicide‐resistant biotypes reported in neighbouring countries. Species with recorded resistance to PSII inhibitors in the Czech Republic tended to be found together and were mostly associated with the beet production region, characterised by low altitude: Amaranthus retroflexus, Chenopodium album, Echinochloa crus‐galli and Solanum nigrum. Species with reported resistance to ALS and ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides were not clearly associated with a particular region or farming type. Of the species which have had reported herbicide resistance in the neighbouring countries, several were found in conventional fields within the growing season and we recommend immediate screening for herbicide resistance in these species and more diligent action in management according to anti‐resistance strategies: Bromus sterilis resistant to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides, A. retroflexus resistant to ALS‐inhibiting herbicides or Avena fatua resistant to ACCase and ALS‐inhibiting herbicides. This work is unique in that it is evaluating weed species diversity in organic and conventional farms and using the context to frame the prevalence of high‐risk herbicide‐resistant species; thereby putting the potential incidence of herbicide resistance into perspective at the landscape level.
Use of hyperspectral imaging to predict healing of diabetic foot ulceration
Authors: Kounas Konstantinos , Dinh Thanh , Riemer Kevin , Rosenblum Barry I. , Veves Aristidis , Giurini John M.
Published: January 2023

Our main objective was to validate that hyperspectral imaging via a new portable camera carries the potential to provide a reliable clinical biomarker that can predict DFU healing. We recruited patients with diabetic foot ulceration (DFU) without peripheral arterial disease, infection or other serious illness. Using an hyperspectral imaging (HSI) apparatus, post‐debridement hyperspectral images were taken evaluating the ulcer size, periwound oxyhemoglobin (OxyHb), deoxyhemoglobin level (DeoxyHb) and oxygen saturation (O2Sat) for four consecutive visits. Twenty‐seven patients were followed, out of whom seven healed their DFU while the remaining 20 failed to heal their DFU. The average time between each visit was 3 weeks. Binary logistic regression of healers versus non‐healers on Visit 1 oxyHb and on Visit 2 showed a significant inverse association, OR = 0.85 (95% CI: 0.73–0.98, p < 0.001). An inverse correlation was observed between the Visit 1 oxyHb and the percentage of ulcer size reduction between Visit 1 and Visit 4 (r = −0.46, p = 0.02) and between the Visit 2 oxyHb and the percentage of ulcer size reduction between Visits 2 and 4 (r = −0.65, p = 0.001). Using oxyHb 50 as the cut‐off point to predict DFU complete healing, Visit 1 oxyHb measurement provided 85% sensitivity, 70% specificity, 50% positive predictive value and 93% negative predictive value. For Visit 2, oxyHb had 85% sensitivity, 85% specificity, 66% positive predictive value and 94% negative predictive value. We conclude that this preliminary study, which involved a relatively small number of patients, indicates that hyperspectral imaging is a simple exam that can easily be added to daily clinical practice and has the potential to provide useful information regarding the healing potential of DFU over a short period of time.
Reporting quality and risk of bias in JBI systematic reviews evaluating the effectiveness of interventions: a methodological review protocol
Authors: Grammatopoulos Tahlia , Hunter Jeremy W.S. , Munn Zachary , Stone Jennifer C. , Barker Timothy H.
Published: January 2023

Objective:

The objective of this methodological review is to evaluate the adherence of systematic reviews of effectiveness published in JBI Evidence Synthesis to reporting guidelines and methodological quality.

Introduction:

Systematic reviews of effectiveness are essential tools for health practitioners and policymakers. The Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines and the Risk of Bias in Systematic Reviews (ROBIS) tool are used to ensure maintenance of high reporting standards and methodological quality, respectively. This review will utilize these tools to identify strengths and shortfalls in the reporting quality of JBI systematic reviews of effectiveness.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include the 20 most recent systematic reviews of effectiveness published in JBI Evidence Synthesis (formerly the JBI Database of Systematic Reviews and Implementation Reports).

Methods:

This review will search MEDLINE (PubMed) for effectiveness reviews published in JBI Evidence Synthesis. Abstract and full-text screening will be performed by 2 independent reviewers and the most recent 20 studies will be selected for inclusion. Data regarding adherence to PRISMA 2020 and ROBIS will be extracted by 2 independent reviewers. Data will be presented descriptively with tables and synthesized narratively.
Electroencephalogram Experimentation to Understand Creativity of Mechanical Engineering Students
Authors: Ahad Md Tanvir , Hartog Tess , Alhashim Amin G. , Marshall Megan , Siddique Zahed
Published: January 2023

Electroencephalogram (EEG) alpha power (8–13 Hz) is a characteristic of various creative task conditions and is involved in creative ideation. Alpha power varies as a function of creativity-related task demands. This study investigated the event-related potentials (ERPs), alpha power activation, and potential machine learning (ML) to classify the neural responses of engineering students involved with creativity task. All participants performed a modified alternate uses task (AUT), in which participants categorized functions (or uses) for everyday objects as either creative, nonsense, or common. At first, this study investigated the fundamental ERPs over central and parietooccipital temporal areas. The bio-responses to understand creativity in engineering students demonstrates that nonsensical and creative stimuli elicit larger N400 amplitudes (−1.107 mV and −0.755 mV, respectively) than common uses (0.0859 mV) on the 300–500 ms window. N400 effect was observed on 300–500 ms window from the grand average waveforms of each electrode of interest. ANOVA analysis identified a significant main effect: decreased alpha power during creative ideation, especially over (O1/2, P7/8) parietooccipital temporal area. Machine learning is used to classify the specific temporal area data’s neural responses (creative, nonsense, and common). A k-nearest neighbors (kNN) classifier was used, and results were evaluated in terms of accuracy, precision, recall, and F1- score using the collected datasets from the participants. With an overall 99.92% accuracy and area under the curve at 0.9995, the kNN classifier successfully classified the participants’ neural responses. These results have great potential for broader adaptation of machine learning techniques in creativity research.
Los usos de la Antropología: crítico, político, personal, de Dell Hymes
Authors: Amoedo Martínez Diego , Pereiro Xerardo
Published: January 2023

Hymes es un antropólogo social y cultural, lingüista y folclorista norteamericano nacido en la década de 1920 y ya fallecido en el primer decenio del siglo XXI. La obra que nos proponemos reseñar se titula: Los usos de la Antropología: crítico, político, personal y fue publicada en el año 2019 por la Editora de la Universidad del Cauca, Colombia. La traducción del original (en lengua inglesa) ha sido hecha por el Profesor Axel Rojas, de la Universidad del Cauca, quien también escribe un prólogo en el cual contextualiza al autor, Dell Hymes, y su tiempo. Además, Axel Rojas defiende la vigencia de la propuesta del autor y editor de Reinventing Anthropology, para el cual la antropología es una ciencia que estudia como problema general la evolución de la humanidad pero que también tiene un compromiso crítico con las sociedades que estudia. Conocer y transformar la realidad serían por lo tanto las misiones fundamentales de esa antropología comprometida
The Effect of McGill Core Stability Training on Movement Patterns, Shooting Accuracy, and Throwing Performance in Male Basketball Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hessam Masumeh , Fathalipour Koroush , Behdarvandan Amin , Goharpey Shahin
Published: January 2023

Context: Core stability training has been recommended as a vital element in improving movement’s pattern and athletic performance. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of 12-week McGill core stability training on movement patterns, shooting accuracy, and throwing performance. Design: Randomized controlled clinical trial. Setting: University research laboratory. Methods: Forty male basketball players were randomly assigned to experimental and control groups. The experimental group completed 12-week McGill core stability training, while the control group completed routine exercise training. Patterns of functional movements was measured through functional movement screen (FMS), shooting accuracy measured by static 3-point shooting (S3P) and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test, and throwing performance measured by Functional Throwing Performance Index. Results: Comparison revealed that regardless of received training, after 12 weeks both groups showed significant improvement in all outcome measures. However, experimental group had significantly higher post test scores in FMS (P = .02), S3P (P = .007), and dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P = .01). For Functional Throwing Performance Index, there was no group differences (P = .96). The results of follow-up assessments showed for all measurements including FMS (P = .03), S3P (P = .004), dynamic 60-second 3-point shooting test (P < .001), and Functional Throwing Performance Index (P = .005); experimental group had higher scores than the control group. Conclusions: According to the results, implementing McGill core stability training in basketball routine training would be advisable since significant improvement can be obtained in the measured parameters.
The unrecovered
The Long Haul
Ryan Prior
Post Hill Press, 2022. 336 pp.
Authors: Ward Helen
Published: January 2023

A journalist’s empathetic portrait of COVID-19 “long haulers” sheds light on the realities of postviral illness
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacteria Isolated from Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) Rhizosphere in Morocco
Authors: Zouagui Rahma , Zouagui Houda , Chemao-Elfihri Mohammed Walid , Chamkhi Imane , Aurag Jamal , Ibrahimi Azeddine , Sbabou Laila
Published: January 2023

We report the draft genome sequences of plant growth-promoting
Rahnella perminowiae
strain S11P1,
Variovorax
sp. strain S12S4, and
Pseudomonas
sp. strains S11A4 and S11P7, which were isolated from saffron (
Crocus sativus
L.) rhizosphere. Several genes were predicted to be involved in auxin production, phosphate solubilization, and other specialized functions in plant growth and defense.
Mechanical Characteristics of Diamond-Like Moiré Films
Authors: Artyukh A. A. , Chernozatonskii L. A.
Published: January 2023

The mechanical characteristics of diamond-like films, such as Dn21.8, Dn27.8, and Dn29.4 moiré diamanes, formed by the hydrogenation of graphene layers twisted at an angle of about 30°, and of conventional diamane (Dn) based on bilayer graphene with the AB packing are simulated using the molecular mechanics approach. The elastic moduli of these materials are calculated. It is shown that the elastic constants for moiré diamanes differ noticeably from similar constants of Dn diamane, and their fracture occurs at higher strains than at those for the latter. The responses to forces applied in the plane of the films turn out to be anisotropic for the Dn21.8 and Dn27.8 structures and almost isotropic for Dn29.4. It is shown that the breakthrough for the Dn29.4 membrane under the action of a tip occurs at a larger force than that for the membrane made of the most energetically stable Dn27.8 diamane.
Effects of soybean oil plus additional forage and anabolic implant in finishing steers: feedlot performance, carcass composition, and meat quality
Authors: Poulin V. , Gariépy C. , Cliche S. , Jacob J. , Gervais R. , Chouinard P.Y.
Published: January 2023

One hundred twenty crossbred steers were allotted to six weight blocks. Within each block, steers were allotted to one of four pens in a randomized complete block design (5 head per pen, 24 total pens). Treatments were low forage control diets (LFC) or high forage diets supplemented with soybean oil (HFO), without or with anabolic implant in 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. As compared with LFC, HFO reduced dry matter intake and average daily gain, without affecting the gain:feed ratio. Feeding HFO also decreased dressing yield and backfat thickness, with no impact on the longissimus dorsi area and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Meat from steers fed HFO contained greater relative proportion of cis-9, cis-12 18:2, cis-9, trans-11 18:2, and cis-9, cis-12, cis-15 18:3 as compared with LFC. Implanted steers had greater dry matter intake, average daily gain, and gain:feed ratio. Implants improved dressing yield, tended to increase the longissimus dorsi area, decreased backfat thickness, and increased meat Warner-Bratzler shear force. Meat from implanted steers contained greater relative concentration of cis-9, cis-12 18:2 and cis-9, cis-12, cis-15 18:3, without affecting cis-9, trans-11 18:2, as compared with non-implanted animals. No interaction of diet by implant was observed for these variables.
Ecological integrity of whitebark pine ecosystems in California’s national forests
Authors: Meyer Marc D. , Slaton Michèle R. , Gross Shana E. , Butz Ramona J. , Clark Carol
Published: January 2023

Whitebark pine ( Pinus albicaulis) forest ecosystems in California are diverse and unique, yet their current status and condition are uncertain. Using a combination of geospatial and field plot data, we assessed patterns in the structure, composition, and health of whitebark pine ecosystems on national forests throughout the state of California to evaluate potential signs of declining ecosystem integrity. We found whitebark pine ecosystems to be structurally, compositionally, and functionally distinct among subregions of California, and all subregions displayed some evidence of declining ecological integrity. Whitebark pine forests in northern California exhibited signs of greater stand densification (Cascade–Klamath), potential encroachment by shade-tolerant conifer species (Cascade–Klamath and Warner Mountains), and increased tree mortality associated with mountain pine beetle outbreaks (Warner Mountains) than elsewhere in California. Whitebark pine stands in the Sierra Nevada showed signs of stand densification (central Sierra) and localized mountain pine beetle outbreaks (southern Sierra east). Notwithstanding these negative signs, much of the state’s whitebark pine ecosystems on national forestlands appear to be relatively healthy and intact compared to more northern latitudes. Active management may be required to restore whitebark pine ecosystems on national forests in California with declining integrity, including stands experiencing substantial stand densification, encroachment by shade-tolerant conifers, and mountain pine beetle outbreaks.
DEPOSITING Ni–Co–P ALLOY COATING ON AISI316 STEEL AND ANALYZING ITS PROPERTIES
Authors: JAFARI ROBABEH , AHMADI NAGHI PARVINI , KHOSROSHAHI RASOUL AZARI , RAGHEBI ZAHRA
Published: January 2023

After appropriately preparing the surface of AISI316 steel, the Ni–Co–P coating layer was deposited on the substrate using the electroless method using baths with different mole ratios of CoSO4/NiSO[Formula: see text]. Coating rate, weight percentage of the alloy elements, corrosion rate and coating layer hardness were studied in the achieved coating layers. The coating rate of the Ni–Co–P coating layer is a function of the mole ratio of CoSO4/CoSO[Formula: see text], sodium hypophosphite concentration, bath temperature, bath pH and plating time. The electroless deposits studied in this paper are in crystal form. The XRD pattern of the Ni–Co–P deposits shows the peaks related to Ni-fcc and tetragonal Ni[Formula: see text]P5. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the formation of the Ni3P phase during annealing for 1[Formula: see text]h at 400∘C.
The quantum accelerated PointNet algorithm
Authors: Li Peng-Jie , Li Xiao-Bin
Published: January 2023

Point cloud modeling is one of the most common types of 3D modeling, and the PointNet algorithm is an effective point cloud classification and segmentation algorithm. We propose the quantum accelerated PointNet algorithm. The proposed algorithm uses quantum computing to realize the three convolutional layers of the PointNet algorithm and uses classical computers to realize the pooling layers, the fully connected layers, and other parts. For a point cloud with [Formula: see text] points and coordinate values up to [Formula: see text], when performing the computation of the convolution layer of the PointNet algorithm with convolution kernel weights up to [Formula: see text], our algorithm changes the computational complexity from [Formula: see text] on an electronic computer to [Formula: see text] after the quantum computing acceleration. The quantum accelerated PointNet algorithm proposed in this study changes the variables of the polynomial of computational complexity from [Formula: see text] to the product [Formula: see text], and completely removes the effect of the parameter [Formula: see text], which is positively related to the number of points. Therefore, We can conclude that the quantum accelerated PointNet algorithm achieves a certain speedup compared to the classical PointNet algorithm.
A Numerical Method to Study the Fiber Orientation and Distribution of Fiber-Reinforced Self-Compacting Concrete
Authors: Liu Xuemei , Xie Xiangyu , Zhang Lihai , Lam Nelson
Published: January 2023

Steel fiber-reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCFRC) has been developed in recent decades to overcome the weak tensile performance of traditional concretes. As the flexural strength of SCFRC is dependent on the distribution of steel fibers, a numerical model based on Jeffery’s equation was developed in this study for investigating the effects of the concrete flow on the fiber orientation and distribution in SCFRC. This numerical method shows higher computational efficiency than available particle-based methods like SPH and LBM. The influence of casting parameters like casting method, formwork size and casting velocity on the fiber orientation is investigated from the perspective of the flow field of fresh concrete during casting. The simulation results show that the fiber orientation is largely dominated by the concrete flow during the casting process. Importantly, during casting SCFRC beam, fibers tend to be oriented in parallel along the longitudinal direction at the middle section, while they stick up at the end of the formwork due to the upward concrete flow. In addition, the results from parametric studies show that the formwork size and casting method could significantly affect the concrete flow during the casting process, ultimately the orientation of fibers in a SCFRC beam. Furthermore, it indicates that the casting speed needs to be carefully chosen in order to achieve the optimal fiber alignment.
IoT-based multiclass decision support system of chronic kidney disease using optimal DNN
Authors: Shanmugarajeshwari V. , Ilayaraja M.
Published: January 2023

Current healthcare applications commonly incorporate the Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud computing ideas. IoT devices provide massive amounts of patient data in the healthcare industry. These data stored in the cloud are analyzed using mobile devices’ built-in storage and processing power. The Internet of Medical Healthcare Things (IoMHT) integrates health monitoring components including sensors and medical equipment to remotely monitor patient records in order to provide more intelligent and sophisticated healthcare services. In this research, we analyze one of the deadliest illnesses with a high fatality rate worldwide, the chronic kidney disease (CKD), to provide the finest healthcare services possible to users of e-health and m-health applications by presenting the IoTC services based on healthcare delivery system for the prediction and observation of CKD with its severity level. The suggested architecture gathers patient data from linked IoT devices and saves it in the cloud alongside real-time data, pertinent medical records that are collected from the UCI Machine Learning Repository, and relevant medical documents. We further use a Deep Neural Network (DNN) classifier to predict CKD and its severity. To boost the effectiveness of the DNN classifier, a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)-based feature selection technique is also applied. We compare the performance of the proposed model using different classification measures utilizing different classifiers. A Quick Flower Pollination Algorithm (QFPA)- (DNN)-based IoT and cloud-based CKD diagnosis model, is presented in this paper. The CKD diagnosis steps in the QFPA- DNN model involve data gathering, preparation, feature selection and classification stages.
What are the Sustainable Water Policies in Central Regions of Iran? An Integrated Water Resource Management Model
Authors: Dastkhan Hossein , Mohamadi Golnaz
Published: January 2023

The efficient and optimal management of water resources is of great importance due to the strong dependence of human life on water. Also, the availability and utilization of the existing water resources in regions with water shortages, such as the Middle East, impose high social, economic, and environmental costs. Therefore, water resource management policies should incorporate all aspects of supply, allocation, control, and monitoring of resources. This study provides a dynamic simulation model for water resource management in the Yazd province of Iran to examine the effect of different policies on the other variables and choose the most suitable policies over time. For this purpose, we used a system dynamics approach to propose an integrated water resources management model, considering a comprehensive view of different aspects. The proposed model included over 230 influential variables in water resources, along with economic, demographic, technological, agricultural, industrial, public policy-making, water demand-supply, and virtual water volume subsystems. After we validate the model, we define three scenarios (optimistic, baseline, and pessimistic) and four policy packages (i.e., business as usual, focusing on economic development, focusing on sustainable development based on ecological balance, and focusing on water conservation) in the time horizons of 10, 20, and 50 years. The simulation results indicated that we require a reform in the Yazd economic development strategies through policies such as changing the cropping pattern and reducing water-consuming industries. Moreover, water supply enhancement by raising the inter-basin transfer of water alone cannot be an effective solution for reducing the water shortage in Yazd province and may even worsen the water shortage in the long run. We conclude that the “Focus on Water Conservation” policy is the best solution to reduce water shortage. The results of the baseline scenario show that adopting the FWC policy changes the increasing trend of water shortage in the province and decreases them from more than 53 billion m3 in the “Business as Usual” policy to less than 20 billion m3 in the year 2040. As the FWC would decrease more than 10 billion m3 of the virtual water level imbalance compared to BAU policy and make more investments in water efficiency plans, it preserves the current resources of water in the long run.
An Information Principle Based on Partitions for Cognitive Data
Authors: Kak Subhash
Published: January 2023

Motivated by the deep connections that exist between brain activity analyzed through thermodynamics and cognitive processing measured by information, this paper proposes an information principle based on partitions for possible applications to cognition-based judgments with potential applications to artificial intelligence. Looking at information through the lens of variety, which is the set of distinguishable elements of the set, we propose that partitions with only one type of object are counted once, and partitions with k types of objects are counted k times. Put differently, multiple occurrences of an object are considered not to have significance for the observer, or we can say that the objects are indistinguishable unless they are distinct. We explore the implications of this many-to-one logic that has possible applications to cognition centered systems and present a result related to the frequencies of the objects and contrast them with the first digit frequencies as well as the Bose–Einstein distribution.
Illegal Maneuver Effect on Traffic Operations at Signalized Intersections: An Observational Simulation-Based Before-After Study Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Jahangard Mahdi , Madarshahian Mahyar , Sabur Hadi , Rezvani Reza , Mohammadzadeh Moghaddam Abolfazl , Huynh Nathan
Published: January 2023

This study investigates three illegal maneuvers at signalized intersections: pedestrians jaywalking at signalized crosswalks (JSC), vehicles stopping near the intersections (SNI), and vehicles occupying the through lane instead of the left-turn lane to make a left turn (OTL). Traffic microsimulation models of four intersections were developed using Aimsun, and data were collected by a drone over a 3-hour period. The car-following model (Gibbs model) implemented in Aimsun was calibrated for each of the intersections and validated at the 95% confidence level. The validated Aimsun models were used to perform 13 experiments designed to investigate the interaction effects of decreasing two or more illegal maneuvers on travel time and fuel consumption. These 13 experiments were identified using the design of experiments D-optimality criterion. To investigate the main and interaction effects of decreasing two or more illegal maneuvers on travel time and fuel consumption, the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. Using RSM, the statistical model that was found to best fit the simulation results was a quadratic form. The results showed that the dependent variables “travel time ratio” and “fuel consumption ratio” are affected not only by a decrease in violations ratio but also by the volume of traffic as the exogenous variable. It was found that decreasing two of the violations, namely, JSC and SNI, improves travel time and fuel consumption but decreasing OTL has the opposite effect, resulting from the inadequate design of left-turning lane length/capacity and/or inadequate signal timing to accommodate left-turning volume.
On Redescribing Christian Origins
Authors: Mack † Burton L.
Published: January 2023

This is a republication of an article by the late Burton Mack (1931–2022, formerly Professor Emeritus at Claremont School of Theology). “On Redescribing Christian Origins” was originally presented as one of the papers at the inaugural session of the Society of Biblical Literature Consultation on Ancient Myths and Modern Theories of Christian Origins (Philadelphia, 1995) and then published in Method and Theory in the Study of Religion 8:3 (1996), pp. 247–269. Following this reprint are a series of contemporary scholars connecting Mack’s approach, as outlined in this paper, to their own research in other fields, thereby demonstrating the relevance of his work for the wider field.
Hearing Hindu Stories
Authors: Truschke Audrey
Published: January 2023

This article presses on some of the key insights from Mack’s seminal essay on Christianity vis-à-vis scholarship on a different religion, namely Hinduism. I suggest some extensions of Mack’s argument to the academic study of Hindu traditions, such as identifying the harms posed by the soft inclusion of Christian theology within the discipline of Religious Studies. I argue that this is a structural problem in the modern academy that sidelines scholars of non-Christian, especially non-Abrahamic, religions and creates a model for uncritical influence from ideological and political sources. Following on Mack’s analysis of the pressures of Christian theology, I identify specific non-academic threats to critical studies of Hinduism, namely the political commitments of Hindu nationalists and the embrace of orientalist ideas by scholars and practitioners. I argue it is imperative to counter both harmful trends, while recognizing significant challenges to doing so. I also draw on insights from scholarship on Hinduism to point to strategies potentially beneficial to scholars of Christianity keen to pursue Mack’s ideas, such as a milder interest in questions of origins that embraces multiplicity. I conclude that scholars of Hinduism are ready to tell our stories – based on critical analyses of a diverse and complicated religious tradition – but whether our academic peers in Religious Studies are ready to hear and incorporate our insights is another matter.
How Do We Tell the Story of Medieval Copts? Inspirations from Burton Mack
Authors: Mitri Monica
Published: January 2023

This paper experiments with Burton Mack’s invitation to rethink how scholars frame the past by examining two discourses in Copto-Arabic studies. First, I present the scholarly discourses of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries about the medieval Coptic past, and second, I examine how the traditional past is perceived in two medieval Copto-Arabic legal collections. I claim that closely reading these collections reveals the ways that their authors theorized and negotiated the authority of the past. There are marked differences between the two collections – differences that defined their intellectual contributions and their place in the tradition. More broadly, I demonstrate that Mack’s invitation to rethink and redescribe our subjects’ narratives about themselves can enrich Copto-Arabic scholarship by opening hitherto untapped areas, especially in the sociolegal realm.
“Nicoletia” tergata Mills, 1940 rediscovered in Florida and confirmed as the first species of the Coletiniinae (Zygentoma: Nicoletiidae) in North America
Authors: ESPINASA LUIS , SMITH GRAEME B.
Published: January 2023

“Nicoletia” tergata Mills, 1940 is redescribed from new material recently collected in subterranean habitat in Florida as well as examination of some of the type specimens. The species is placed in a new genus Gibboletia within the subfamily Coletiniinae and thus represents the only species of this subfamily so far known in North America. Molecular data (16S rRNA) from one of two populations suggest they may represent different species; however, morphological differences were not found within or between populations. The legs of all specimens from one population reacted with the mounting medium whereas the other population mostly did not, suggesting a physiological difference may exist.
Seasonal Eddy Variability in the Northwestern Tropical Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Huang Minghai , Yang Yang , Liang Xinfeng
Published: January 2023

Eddies in the northwestern tropical Atlantic Ocean play a crucial role in transporting the South Atlantic Upper Ocean Water to the North Atlantic and connect the Atlantic and the Caribbean Sea. Although surface characteristics of those eddies have been well studied, their vertical structures and governing mechanisms are much less known. Here, using a time-dependent energetics framework based on the multiscale window transform, we examine the seasonal variability of the eddy kinetic energy (EKE) in the northwestern tropical Atlantic. Both altimeter-based data and ocean reanalyses show a substantial EKE seasonal cycle in the North Brazil Current Retroflection (NBCR) region that is mostly trapped in the upper 200 m. In the most energetic NBCR region, the EKE reaches its minimum in April–June and maximum in July–September. By analyzing six ocean reanalysis products, we find that barotropic instability is the controlling mechanism for the seasonal eddy variability in the NBCR region. Nonlocal processes, including advection and pressure work, play opposite roles in the EKE seasonal cycle. In the eastern part of the NBCR region, the EKE seasonal evolution is similar to the NBCR region. However, it is the nonlocal processes that control the EKE seasonality. In the western part of the NBCR region, the EKE magnitude is one order of magnitude smaller than in the NBCR region and shows a different seasonal cycle, which peaks in March and reaches its minimum in October–November. Our results highlight the complex mechanisms governing eddy variability in the northwestern tropical Atlantic and provide insights into their potential changes with changing background conditions.
Career Specialization, Involuntary Worker–Firm Separations, and Employment Outcomes: Why Generalists Outperform Specialists When Their Jobs Are Displaced
Authors: Byun Heejung , Raffiee Joseph
Published: January 2023

Existing theories offer conflicting perspectives regarding the relationship between career specialization and labor market outcomes. While some scholars argue it is better for workers to specialize and focus on one area, others argue it is advantageous for workers to diversify and compile experience across multiple work domains. We attempt to reconcile these competing perspectives by developing a theory highlighting the voluntary versus involuntary nature of worker–firm separations as a theoretical contingency that alters the relative advantages and disadvantages associated with specialized versus generalized careers. Our theory is rooted in the notion that the characteristics of involuntary worker–firm separations (i.e., job displacement) simultaneously amplify the disadvantages associated with specialized careers and the advantages associated with generalized careers, thereby giving displaced generalists a relative advantage over displaced specialists. We find support for our theory in the context of U.S. congressional staffing, using administrative employment records and a regression discontinuity identification strategy that exploits quasi-random staffer displacement resulting from narrowly decided congressional reelection bids. Our theoretical contingency is further supported in supplemental regressions where correlational evidence suggests that while specialists tend to be relatively penalized in the labor market after involuntary separations, specialists appear to be relatively privileged when separations are plausibly voluntary.
When Do Collaborative First Moves Diminish Nationality-Based Homophilic Preferences? An Examination of Chinese Venture Capital Investment Syndicates
Authors: Xia Wei , Steensma H. Kevin , Bai Xiaoou
Published: January 2023

We explore the interplay between homophilic preferences, reciprocity, and societal values in the formation of venture capital investment syndicates in China. Both Chinese and U.S. syndicate lead firms generally prefer including their fellow compatriot firms over comparable non-compatriots in the investment syndicates that they assemble. When a Chinese firm initiates a collaborative first move by including a U.S. firm in an investment syndicate, however, the U.S. firm no longer prefers comparably familiar U.S. firms over the Chinese firm when it subsequently chooses among prospective syndicate partner firms to include in its investment syndicates. In such cases, familiarity triggers impartiality; the experiential trust that was garnered from the collaborative first-move engagement initiated by the Chinese firm diminishes the nationality-based homophilic preferences of the U.S. firm. We do not find similar dynamics when the tables are turned. When a U.S. firm initiates a collaborative first move by including a Chinese firm in an investment syndicate, the Chinese firm subsequently remains partial to fellow compatriot firms that are otherwise comparable to the U.S. firm. The homophilic preferences and identity-based trust between Chinese firms grounded in shared nationality are resilient to any goodwill created by U.S. firms when they initiate collaborative first moves.
Self-optimisation: Conceptual, discursive and historical perspectives
Authors: Nehring Daniel , Röcke Anja
Published: January 2023

Self-optimisation has arguably become a central socio-cultural trend in contemporary Western societies. The imperative to optimise our ways of thinking, feeling and interacting with others features prominently in public discourse, and a range of commercial products and services are available to assist us in our quest to become the best version of our selves. However, self-optimisation has so far received scant attention in sociological research. Addressing this knowledge gap, we aim to introduce self-optimisation as a concept for sociological analysis. We first situate self-optimisation in several closely linked strands of academic debate, on transformations of self-identity under conditions of globalisation and neo-liberal capitalism, and on the spread of a therapeutic culture. We then map the socio-cultural antecedents of self-optimisation, survey its rise as a salient public discourse and as a form of everyday practice and consider some political implications. In the conclusion, we set out an agenda for further research on self-optimisation and discuss its conceptual and empirical relevance beyond the Global Northwest.
Assessing the Labor Conditions of Migrant Domestic Workers in the Arab Gulf States
Authors: Blaydes Lisa
Published: January 2023

Millions of migrant domestic workers—the vast majority of whom are women—are employed in households across Arab Gulf societies. Despite the ubiquitous presence of these foreign workers in Gulf households, little systematic information exists regarding the working conditions and treatment of this population. Findings from a survey of Filipino and Indonesian women who were previously employed as migrant domestic workers in the Arab Gulf states suggest that more than half of households subjected workers to at least one form of mistreatment. The most common forms included excessive working hours, late payment of salary, and denial of one day off per week. A smaller percentage of women reported limited access to food and medical care, mistreatment that is correlated with physical and emotional abuse. Understanding more about the extent of mistreatment—and the correlates of abuse—assists in the development of remedies aimed at improving workplace conditions.
The child-friendly cities concept in China: A prototype case study of a migrant workers’ community
Authors: Wang Xinkai , Elkhouly Aya AN , Shukla Prasenjit , Jiang Wenwen , Zhang Xiupeng , Zhang Qianxi , Wu Shanshan , Ni Mindong , Fan Shuying , Günay Zeynep , Aerts Jens
Published: January 2023

The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) initiatives of Child-Friendly Cities have operated in more than 3000 cities around the world. However, the concept of making the city child-friendly has not been extensively recognized in China. This article aims to report a regeneration project in a migrant workers’ community, the Mingdong, and is used to illustrate the reactions of residents to youth participation (youth civic engagement) and the project through an international workshop. The article concludes with a discussion of how social workers help in the social development of migrant communities by promoting youth participation, community social awareness and social cohesiveness.
Comparative study of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) and eugenol as euthanasia agents in zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an experimental model
Authors: Ayala-Soldado Nahúm , Mora-Medina Rafael , Lora-Benítez Antonio Jesús , Gonçalves Reis Lilian de Paula , Molina-López Ana M , Moyano-Salvago M del Rosario
Published: January 2023

In experimental procedures inevitably leading to the sacrifice of animals, suitable measures should be taken to minimise their pain and suffering as much as possible, as well as to prevent any modification or masking in the experimental results obtained. An overdose of anaesthetic is the method of euthanasia most employed in fish, since it is effective and easy to apply. Our objectives were to compare the efficacy of eugenol and of tricaine methanesulfonate (MS-222) as euthanasia agents in zebrafish, and to make a histological evaluation of the possible effects derived from their application. The concentrations established for eugenol were 0.25 and 0.35 mg/mL, and those for MS-222 were 0.25 and 0.50 mg/mL, for both the buffered solution and the non-buffered one. Eugenol turned out to be a stronger euthanasia agent than MS-222 in zebrafish, presenting with significantly shorter euthanasia times. However, the exposure of the fish to euthanasia doses of eugenol triggered branchial alterations, in addition to serious lesions and changes in their nerve tissue. The results obtained with MS-222 also revealed a marked branchial alteration derived from its use. In this respect, the addition of a buffer to the MS-222 solution enhanced the effectiveness of the drug, with significantly shorter euthanasia times being achieved than with the non-buffered solution, and diminished the severity of the lesions described. We therefore determined that the buffered MS-222 solution is the most effective, reliable and safest method of euthanasia for use in research on zebrafish.
Chicago’s Citywide COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Program: Protect Chicago Plus
Authors: Johnson Amy K. , Smith C. Scott , Hunt Bijou , Jacobs Jacquelyn , Roesch Pamela
Published: January 2023

Vaccination is one of the most effective strategies to control the spread of COVID-19 and reduce morbidity and mortality; however, rapid and equitable vaccine distribution is required to achieve such outcomes. We conducted a basic interrupted time-series analysis to examine the short-term impacts of a citywide vaccine equity plan, the Protect Chicago Plus (PCP) plan. We compared vaccine coverage in zip codes in Chicago with high COVID-19 vulnerability, as identified from the Chicago COVID-19 Community Vulnerability Index, with coverage in all other zip codes in Chicago. From our analysis, we observed that implementation of PCP coincided with reduced vaccination disparities between Chicago communities with low and high vulnerability indexes over time. In our analysis of vaccination coverage before program implementation, vaccination coverage climbed nearly twice as fast among non-PCP zip codes (0.19% per day) than among PCP zip codes (0.10% per day) or by 0.09 percentage points ( P < .001). In model analysis after program implementation, zip codes prioritized for the program had 0.42% additional coverage per day as compared with 0.27% per day for non-PCP zip codes. Our findings suggest that such programs may improve vaccine equity, but additional research is needed to better understand the longer-term effects of citywide vaccination strategies on vaccine uptake.
Stair/escalator/elevator selection behavior of passengers in subway stations based on the fuzzy logic theory
Authors: Zhang Rui , Yang Xiaoxia , Zhou Meiqi , Li Yongxing , Yang Xiaoli
Published: January 2023

The behavior of stair/escalator/elevator selection of passengers at the subway platform could directly affect the travel efficiency and even the service level of the station. This paper proposes a stair/escalator/elevator selection model of passengers at the subway platform, where the cellular automata model is used to simulate passenger movement, and the fuzzy logic theory is used to describe selection behavior. The distance to the stair/escalator/elevator and the density of passengers in front of the facility are selected as the main influence factors. The rationality and effectiveness of the selection model are verified by comparing the field data with simulation results of passengers choosing different stairs/escalators/elevators. The relationship between passenger quantity, passenger speed, escalator quantity, escalator location, and the traffic rate is analyzed based on simulation results, which can provide a theoretical reference for the facility layout optimization at the platform floor of the subway station.
The Influence of Participative Leadership on the Voice Behavior of Public Servants
Authors: Qing Miao , JinHua Zhang
Published: January 2023

Determining how to stimulate public employees’ voice behaviors has become a critical issue in both theory and practice. This article draws on the theories of participative management, leadership, role theory, and social identity theory and proposes a moderated mediation model to explore the mechanism by which participative leadership shapes public employees’ voice behaviors. To test this study’s hypotheses, we conduct a three-wave investigation of 739 public tax agency employees in the Yangtze River Delta area of China. The results show that participative leadership significantly predicts employees’ voice behaviors by enhancing their organizational identification. Furthermore, power distance moderates the relationship between participative leadership and organizational identification. These findings advance our understanding of how to motivate employees’ voice behaviors from the perspective of participative leadership in public organizations.