bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of support conditions and effects on the non-linear flexural response of concrete sleepers
Authors: Quirós-Orozco Ricardo J , Edwards J Riley , Dersch Marcus S
Published: October 2021

Current structural models used for the flexural design of prestressed concrete sleepers assume that ballast bearing support is static and located within a fixed region. This assumption implies a linear relationship between wheel load and bending moment. However, field data gathered from instrumented sleepers shows that this trend is non-linear, and the difference in flexural behavior between model predictions and field-measured demand is significant. Using back-calculation techniques and the development of a sleeper support analysis tool, this paper investigates the load-dependency of sleeper support condition. It is hypothesized that a given support condition redistributes ballast reaction forces due to the mechanical interaction of ballast particles with the sleeper’s deflected shape. It was found that redistribution of support conditions can reduce the expected flexural bending moment up to 45% when compared with moments calculated using traditional design guidelines. This effect (non-linearity) is greater as wheel loads increase. Results from revenue service field experimentation provided insight into the interaction between sleeper and ballast and serve as a foundation for the development of more complex analytical models. This will facilitate revisions to the future flexural design procedures for concrete sleepers, to ensure they are optimized for their expected service loading conditions.
The influence of joint eccentricity on the foldability of four deployable structure systems
Authors: Pérez-Egea Adolfo , García Martínez Pedro , Peña Fernández-Serrano Martino , Jiménez Vicario Pedro Miguel , Ródenas-López Manuel Alejandro
Published: October 2021

The study of deployable structures has been carried out traditionally by simplifying their constituent elements—joints and rods—to ideal entities. However, in this paper the dimensional thickness of these elements is taken into account, in order to evaluate their incidence on the foldability of four deployable structure systems. We have examined the eccentricity that occurs specifically at the joints themselves. Our study ultimately characterizes the incidence of this factor by defining noteworthy parameters common to both tube bundle and scissor systems, enabling us to establish a comparison and draw relevant conclusions.
Therapeutic and Systemic Adverse Events of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors Targeting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis for Clinical Management of NSCLC
Authors: Chen Jing , Alduais Yaser , Chen Baoan
Published: October 2021

Non-small-cell lung cancer takes up the majority of lung carcinoma-caused deaths. It is reported that targeting PD-1/PD-L1, a well-known immune evasion checkpoint, can eradicate tumor. Checkpoint inhibitors, such as monoclonal antibodies, are actively employed in cancer treatment. Thus, this review aimed to assess the therapeutic and toxic effects of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in treatment of NSCLC. So far, 6 monoclonal antibodies blocking PD-1/PD-L1 interaction are identified and used in clinical trials and randomized controlled trials for NSCLC therapy. These antibody-based therapies for NSCLC were collected by using search engine PubMed, and articles about the assessment of adverse events were collected by using Google search. Route of administration and dosage are critical parameters for efficient immunotherapy. Although antibodies can improve overall survival and are expected to be target-specific, they can cause systemic adverse effects in the host. Targeting certain biomarkers can limit the toxicity of adverse effects of the antibody-mediated therapy. Clinical experts with knowledge of adverse effects (AEs) of checkpoint inhibitors can help manage and reduce mortalities associated with antibody-based therapy of NSCLC.
Factors Affecting Risk Perception in Respect of Equity Shares: A Social Network Analysis Approach
Authors: Singh Ranjit , Bhattacharjee Jayashree , Kajol K.
Published: October 2021

The study intends to identify the factors that affect the risk perception of investors towards equity shares and further identifies the association between the identified factors. The study aims to conduct a thorough analysis of the factors affecting risk perception along with measurement of their influence on risk perception in respect of equity shares using Social Network Analysis (SNA). The factors influencing risk perception in equity shares have been identified through review of literature. Delphi technique was employed to determine the association between the factors and the significance of the impact of each of the factors was analysed using SNA. The study found that culture and education are most critical factors among the other factors influencing risk perception in respect of equity shares. While the factors such as capacity of investors, framing effect and loss aversion does not have much impact on the risk perception. The study will help the investors in making decision to invest in equity shares. The present study also gives avenues for the future research by providing the area where more research is needed.
Choice of Antenatal Steroids for Prevention of Complications of Prematurity: Betamethasone Versus Dexamethasone
Authors: Sahoo Tanushree , Aradhya Abhishek Somasekhara , Mukhopadhyay Kanya
Published: October 2021

Antenatal steroids (ANS) are proven strategies to maximize outcomes of premature neonates without any major maternal side effects. Their use results in decreased incidence of neonatal mortality and major morbidities (respiratory distress syndrome, early onset sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, and intraventricular hemorrhage). However, due to concerns of long-term adverse effect (early onset hypertension and poor neurological outcome), a close follow-up is required. Similarly, due to lack of long-term follow-up data and potential risk of hypoglycemia, a cautious use is recommended in late preterms and elective cesareans. There is currently no consensus regarding preferential use of one ANS over the other. The current review therefore tried to address these issues for use of ANS in Indian prospective in light of recent emerging evidence. Due to better safety profile, lesser side effects, lower cost, and easy storage, we recommend dexamethasone as a steroid of choice for antenatal prophylaxis.
Dissolving the value-price transformation Rubik's cube: A response to Steve Toms’ review of Accounting for Value
Authors: Bryer Rob
Published: October 2021

Toms disputes the Temporal Single-System Interpretation's claim to have refuted Bortkiewicz’s influential charge that Marx's transformation from values to prices is ‘inconsistent’. This is a claim that Bryer supports with a replacement cost accounting interpretation, which Toms asserts leaves the ‘problem’ an ‘unsolved’ Rubik's cube. This conclusion is seriously misleading, the note argues, which illustrates the dangers from failing to always take the ‘social turn’ in accounting history research.
Investigating the Potential of Inoculation Messages and Self-Affirmation in Reducing the Effects of Health Misinformation
Authors: Iles Irina A. , Gillman Arielle S. , Platter Heather N. , Ferrer Rebecca A. , Klein William M. P.
Published: October 2021

We investigated the effectiveness of inoculation and self-affirmation interventions in neutralizing effects of health misinformation. Women ( N=854) recruited via Prolific were randomly assigned to self-affirm (or not) and read an inoculation (versus control) message detailing five common attributes of misinformation. All participants read an article with misinformation about breast cancer screening and reported their reactions to the article. The inoculation (vs control) message reduced the negative effects of misinformation, as assessed by resistance-related measures, attitudes, and intentions. Experimentally induced self-affirmation did not show protective effects against misinformation, but the inoculation intervention was stronger among participants higher in self-reported spontaneous self-affirmation.
Pharmacists’ interventions on 2 years of drug monitoring in an oncology pediatric inpatient ward
Authors: Agnol Rafaela Dall , dos Santos Maitê T , Michalowski Mariana B , Einsfeld Lídia
Published: October 2021

Background

In oncology, pharmacists contribute to safety and effectiveness of drug treatment, identifying, preventing and forwarding solutions to drug-related problems (DRPs). However, it is still necessary to elucidate the profile of drug-related problems in pediatric cancer treatment to contribute to guide clinical pharmacy activities.

Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. Records on Excel® spreadsheets of 2 years of pharmaceutical assistance were analyzed regarding the prescriptions of chemotherapy for hospitalized patients aged 0–19 years. Data on age, sex, cancer diagnosis, protocol and drugs prescribed were collected. Causes and types of DRPs and pharmacists’ interventions as their rate of acceptance were measured according to PCNE V 9.0.

Results

Drug-related problems were identified for 84 patients, in 5.3% of analyzed prescriptions. Leukemias, patients aged 0–4 years and male sex were associated with higher rates of drug-related problems. The BFM 2009 protocol for acute lymphocytic leukemia treatment had the highest frequency of prescriptions with drug-related problems. Main drug-related problems were related to effectiveness (49.2%) and safety (33.2%), with most of them due to drug selection and dose. Rate of acceptance of interventions was 92.2% and 90.6% of drug-related problems were fully resolved. Mercaptopurine and filgrastim were the drugs most associated with drug-related problems. Oral antineoplastic agents represented 36% of the prescriptions with drug-related problems.

Conclusion

The high rate of acceptance of pharmacist interventions demonstrates the relevance of the pharmacist participation in the care of hospitalized pediatric patients undergoing chemotherapy. Pharmacists need to take attention to cases of necessity of drug prescription, intervening with other health professionals. Special attention to oral chemotherapy is required.
Influence of high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets on serum lipid and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats
Authors: Berman Chad F , Lobetti Remo G , Zini Eric , Fosgate Geoffrey T , Schoeman Johan P
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine whether high-protein and high-carbohydrate diets exert differential effects on serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations in healthy cats.

Methods

A randomised, crossover diet trial was performed in 35 healthy shelter cats. Following baseline health assessments, cats were randomised into groups receiving either a high-protein or high-carbohydrate diet for 4 weeks. The cats were then fed a washout diet for 4 weeks before being transitioned to whichever of the two studied diets they had not yet received. Fasting serum cholesterol, triglyceride and fructosamine concentrations were determined at the end of each 4-week diet period.

Results

Cats on the high-carbohydrate diet had significantly lower serum cholesterol ( P <0.001) concentrations compared with baseline measurements. Cats on the high-protein diet had significantly higher serum cholesterol ( P <0.001) and triglyceride ( P <0.001) concentrations, yet lower fructosamine ( P <0.001) concentrations compared with baseline measurements. In contrast, overweight cats (body condition score [BCS] >5) had lower cholesterol ( P = 0.007) and triglyceride ( P = 0.032) concentrations on the high-protein diet than cats within other BCS groups.

Conclusions and relevance

Diets higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates appear beneficial for short-term glucose control in healthy cats. A high-protein diet was associated with significantly elevated cholesterol and triglyceride concentrations in healthy cats, even though the increase was significantly less pronounced in cats with a BCS >5. This finding suggests that overweight cats process high-protein diets, cholesterol and triglycerides differently than leaner cats.
Characterizing 1-year development of cervical cord atrophy across different MS phenotypes: A voxel-wise, multicentre analysis
Authors: Valsasina Paola , Gobbi Claudio , Zecca Chiara , Rovira Alex , Sastre-Garriga Jaume , Kearney Hugh , Yiannakas Marios , Matthews Lucy , Palace Jacqueline , Gallo Antonio , Bisecco Alvino , Gass Achim , Eisele Philipp , Filippi Massimo , Rocca Maria A , Barkhof Frederik , Ciccarelli Olga , De Stefano Nicola , Enzinger Christian , Gasperini Claudio , Kappos Ludwig , Vrenken Hugo , Yousry Tarek
Published: October 2021

Background:

Spatio-temporal evolution of cord atrophy in multiple sclerosis (MS) has not been investigated yet.

Objective:

To evaluate voxel-wise distribution and 1-year changes of cervical cord atrophy in a multicentre MS cohort.

Methods:

Baseline and 1-year 3D T1-weighted cervical cord scans and clinical evaluations of 54 healthy controls (HC) and 113 MS patients (14 clinically isolated syndromes (CIS), 77 relapsing-remitting (RR), 22 progressive (P)) were used to investigate voxel-wise cord volume loss in patients versus HC, 1-year volume changes and clinical correlations (SPM12).

Results:

MS patients exhibited baseline cord atrophy versus HC at anterior and posterior/lateral C1/C2 and C4–C6 ( p < 0.05, corrected). While CIS patients showed baseline volume increase at C4 versus HC ( p < 0.001, uncorrected), RRMS exhibited posterior/lateral C1/C2 atrophy versus CIS, and PMS showed widespread cord atrophy versus RRMS ( p < 0.05, corrected). At 1 year, 13 patients had clinically worsened. Cord atrophy progressed in MS, driven by RRMS, at posterior/lateral C2 and C3–C6 ( p < 0.05, corrected). CIS patients showed no volume changes, while PMS showed circumscribed atrophy progression. Baseline cord atrophy at posterior/lateral C1/C2 and C3–C6 correlated with concomitant and 1-year disability ( r = −0.40/–0.62, p < 0.05, corrected).

Conclusions:

Voxel-wise analysis characterized spinal cord neurodegeneration over 1 year across MS phenotypes and helped to explain baseline and 1-year disability.
‘Enemies of the people’: Donald Trump and the security imaginary of America First
Authors: Löfflmann Georg
Published: October 2021

The discursive domain of (in)security is integral to nationalist populism, as documented in the political rhetoric of Donald Trump. This article combines insights from political psychology on blame attribution with scholarship in International Relations on security narratives to show how the reframing of national identity through a populist security imaginary elevated internal ‘enemies of the people’ to an ontological status of equal, or even superior standing to that of external threats to national security. Portraying internal and external Others as equally existential threats endangering the ‘real’ United States informed both foreign policy choices and mobilised voters through an affective persuasion of audiences, actively dividing society for political gain. Populist appeals to resentment, fear, and anxiety constituted a shared affective space between Trump and his followers that provided a source of mutual ontological reassurance and the legitimation of America First measures from immigration restrictions to trade protectionism and a Jacksonian foreign policy.
Working conditions and mental health functioning among young public sector employees
Authors: Harkko Jaakko , Ranta Hertta , Lallukka Tea , Nordquist Hilla , Mänty Minna , Kouvonen Anne
Published: October 2021

Background: The associations between adverse working conditions and mental disorders are well established. However, associations between adverse working conditions and poor mental health functioning is a less explored area. This study examines these associations among younger public sector employees of the City of Helsinki, Finland. Methods: We use data from the Young Helsinki Health Study with a representative sample of the employees of the City of Helsinki, aged 19–39 years ( n=4 217). Mental health functioning was measured with mental composite summary of the Short Form 36. Working conditions included factors related to both the psychosocial (job control and job demands) and the physical work environment (physical workload). To examine the associations, we used logistic regression models with adjustments for socio-demographics, other working conditions and health-related covariates. Results: After adjustment for sociodemographic characteristics, poor health, health behaviours and other occupational exposures, high job demands (OR=1.69; 95% CI=1.45–1.97) and low job control (OR=1.65; 95% CI=1.40–1.94) were associated with poor mental health functioning. High physical workload was not associated with the outcome (OR=0.87; 95% CI=0.72–1.05) after the adjustments. Conclusions: Adverse psychosocial working conditions were associated with mental health functioning, whereas physical working conditions were not. As impaired functioning is likely to cause health-related lost productivity and can lead to work disability, further research and interventions with a balanced approach focusing on both psychosocial working conditions and mental health functioning are recommended.
Trend research of vitamin D receptor: Bibliometric analysis
Authors: Abouzid Mohamed , Główka Anna K. , Karaźniewicz-Łada Marta
Published: October 2021

Studies on vitamin D receptor (VDR) and its association with multiple disorders are expanding. This bibliometric study aims to find and summarize VDR-related publications, and compare them across various countries, organizations, and journals to demonstrate trends in VDR research. VOSviewer and Excel 2019 were used to classify and summarize Web of Science articles from 1900 to mid-2021. Total records of 8762 articles were analyzed, and maps of co-citations bibliometric keywords co-occurrence were designed. In conclusion, relative research interest and published papers related to VDR were growing in the past 30 years. The United States of America dominates the research regarding VDR. The highest quality of VDR research was achieved by the University of California System, University of Wisconsin System, and Harvard University. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol, PLoS One, and J Biol Chem are the leading three productive journals on VDR. Various aspects of vitamin D deficiency associated disorders and genetic studies regarding VDR, including single nucleotide polymorphism, gene variants, epigenome, long non-coding ribonucleic acid (lncRNA), and small nucleolar RNA host gene 6 are potentially the recent research hotspot in this field. Moreover, coronavirus disease, polycystic ovary syndrome, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, gut microbiota, gestational diabetes, systemic sclerosis, and chemoresistance are the trending medical conditions associated with VDR.
Investigating the effects of loading system on the fracture behavior of DCB specimens considering T-stress
Authors: Aalami MR , Chakherlou TN
Published: October 2021

Double cantilever beam specimen is a standard specimen for assessment of mode I failure and separation in adhesively bonded joints and also composite materials. Among the several load introduction systems, the piano hinges and end loading blocks are more common. It has been accepted that the fracture toughness results of the two cases are different, but the effect of the loading system on the load-displacement data and fracture mechanisms is not entirely known yet. Therefore, in this study, the two loading concepts are compared both by precise finite element simulations and experimental tests. The adhesive layer is modeled with its own material properties, and the failure of adhesive is investigated by known LEFM procedures. The results reveal that the load block makes the double cantilever beam specimen stiffer and exhibit more non-linear behavior. Moreover, double cantilever beam with the load block system fails in higher loads and lower crack opening displacements compared with the same specimen loaded by the hinges. To study the effect of loading arrangement in more details and including the softening phase, cohesive zone model was utilized. A correction for strain energy release rate based on the parameter T was proposed, and the role of the T-stress on the traction-separation law of the cohesive zone model and the load-displacement behavior were investigated. It was concluded that the T-stress as a crack tip constraint parameter can successfully justify the difference between the two cases. Applying the correction to the traction-separation law of CZM proves the validity of proposed correction in justifying the experimental results.
CTRP3 protects against uric acid-induced endothelial injury by inhibiting inflammation and oxidase stress in rats
Authors: Zhang Junxia , Lin Xue , Xu Jinxiu , Tang Feng , Tan Lupin
Published: October 2021

Hyperuricemia, which contributes to vascular endothelial damage, plays a key role in multiple cardiovascular diseases. This study was designed to investigate whether C1q/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related protein 3 (CTRP3) has a protective effect on endothelial damage induced by uric acid and its underlying mechanisms. Animal models of hyperuricemia were established in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats through the consumption of 10% fructose water for 12 weeks. Then, the rats were given a single injection of Ad-CTRP3 or Ad-GFP. The animal experiments were ended two weeks later. In vitro, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were first infected with Ad-CTRP3 or Ad-GFP. Then, the cells were stimulated with 10 mg/dL uric acid for 48 h after pretreatment with or without a Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-specific inhibitor. Hyperuricemic rats showed disorganized intimal structures, increased endothelial apoptosis rates, increased inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, which were accompanied by reduced CTRP3 and elevated TLR4 protein levels in the thoracic aorta. In contrast, CTRP3 overexpression decreased TLR4 protein levels and ameliorated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, thereby improving the morphology and apoptosis of the aortic endothelium in rats with hyperuricemia. Similarly, CTRP3 overexpression decreased TLR4-mediated inflammation, reduced oxidative stress, and rescued endothelial damage induced by uric acid in HUVECs. In conclusion, CTRP3 ameliorates uric acid-induced inflammation and oxidative stress, which in turn protects against endothelial injury, possibly by inhibiting TLR4-mediated inflammation and downregulating oxidative stress.
A regression-with-residuals method for analyzing causal mediation: The rwrmed package
Authors: Linden Ariel , Huber Chuck , Wodtke Geoffrey T.
Published: October 2021

In this article, we introduce the rwrmed package, which performs mediation analysis using the methods proposed by Wodtke and Zhou (2020, Epidemiology 31: 369–375). Specifically, rwrmed estimates interventional direct and indirect effects in the presence of treatment-induced confounding by fitting models for 1) the conditional mean of the mediator given the treatment and a set of baseline confounders and 2) the conditional mean of the outcome given the treatment, mediator, baseline confounders, and a set of treatment-induced confounders that have been residualized with respect to the observed past. Interventional direct and indirect effects are simple functions of the parameters in these models when they are correctly specified and when there are no unobserved variables that confound the treatment-outcome, treatment-mediator, or mediator-outcome relationships. When no treatment-induced confounders are specified, rwrmed produces natural direct and indirect effect estimates.
Swimming against the current: Negotiating leadership challenges for women in Iran
Authors: Gilani Parisa , Rook Caroline , Razeghi Yasamin , Carr Melissa
Published: October 2021

The representation and progression of women in leadership roles is a global issue, but research insights on the enactment of leadership by women stem from a predominantly Western perspective. As leadership is inherently context-dependent, we focus on a specific ‘place’ of leadership enactment and provide a more situated and contextual understanding of the challenges women in Iran face in entering and enacting leadership roles. This study contributes to the understanding of leadership and place by considering the dynamics of place as occurring at multiple levels – societal norms (including religion), organisational and physical (including geographical). For this in-depth inductive study 24 semi-structured interviews were conducted and analysed through Reflexive Thematic Analysis. Through the intersection of different spheres of place particular challenges for women arise. The women within our study had to negotiate the complex dynamics of doing gender well and being seen to act in line with the normative conceptions of femininity with dominant masculine expectations of what leadership and how it should be done. While also women Western contexts are constrained and / or supported by cultural (national, societal and organisation) factors as well as place in a physical and geographical sense, the specific nuances in national and societal cultural norms and the ‘harsh’ physical environment in our study provide additional challenges for women to negotiate. This study affords female leaders in Iran a voice and extends previous work on the lived experiences of women in the Middle East and North Africa Region in the under-researched context of Iran.
Interruption, work rumination, and stress as indicators of reduced working memory resources affect aesthetic experiences
Authors: Weigand Rosalie , Jacobsen Thomas
Published: October 2021

Do we savour aesthetic experiences less when distracted by interrupted tasks, work rumination, or stress? Evidence suggests that the ability to concentrate on the aesthetic experience is crucial for initiating a processing mode of conscious aesthetic reception that results in more positive emotions. When working memory resources are otherwise occupied, people are less able to concentrate on aesthetic experiences. Aesthetic savouring, in particular—a cognitive form of emotion regulation that is used to maintain and extend aesthetic experiences—is thought to be impaired under those circumstances. We conducted three investigations to examine how conditions that are known to deplete working memory resources affect the savouring of aesthetic experiences. In Study 1, participants rated beauty and savouring felt from encounters with visual stimuli in a controlled laboratory setting after an interruption of a writing task. Aesthetic experience was hampered if participants were interrupted. In two field investigations, we demonstrated that work-related rumination (Study 2, N = 329) and stress (Study 3, N = 368) are inversely related to the savouring felt from opera, theatre, or cabaret pieces. These findings highlight the importance of concentrating on aesthetic experiences so that the perceiver can fully benefit from them. We also discuss implications for cognitive models of working memory and for health and well-being.
Taking apart what brings us together: The role of action prediction, perspective-taking, and theory of mind in joint action
Authors: Sacheli Lucia Maria , Arcangeli Elisa , Carioti Desiré , Butterfill Steve , Berlingeri Manuela
Published: October 2021

The ability to act together with others to achieve common goals is crucial in life, yet there is no full consensus on the underlying cognitive skills. While influential theoretical accounts suggest that interaction requires sophisticated insights into others’ minds, alternative views propose that high-level social skills might not be necessary because interactions are grounded on sensorimotor predictive mechanisms. At present, empirical evidence is insufficient to decide between the two. This study addressed this issue and explored the association between performance at joint action tasks and cognitive abilities in three domains—action prediction, perspective-taking, and theory of mind—in healthy adults ( N = 58). We found that, while perspective-taking played a role in reading the behaviour of others independently of the social context, action prediction abilities specifically influenced the agents’ performance in an interactive task but not in a control (social but non-interactive) task. In our study, performance at a theory of mind test did not play any role, as confirmed by Bayesian analyses. The results suggest that, in adults, sensorimotor predictive mechanisms might play a significant and specific role in supporting interpersonal coordination during motor interactions. We discuss the implications of our findings for the contrasting theoretical views described earlier and propose a way they might be partly reconciled.
Reliance on semantic and structural heuristics in sentence comprehension across the lifespan
Authors: Lopukhina Anastasiya , Laurinavichyute Anna , Malyutina Svetlana , Ryazanskaya Galina , Savinova Elena , Simdianova Aleksandra , Antonova Anastasia , Korkina Irina
Published: October 2021

People sometimes misinterpret the sentences that they read. One possible reason suggested in the literature is a race between slow bottom-up algorithmic processing and “fast and frugal” top-down heuristic processing that serves to support fast-paced communication but sometimes results in incorrect representations. Heuristic processing can be both semantic, relying on world knowledge and semantic relations between words, and structural, relying on structural economy. Scattered experimental evidence suggests that reliance on heuristics may change from greater reliance on syntactic information in younger people to greater reliance on semantic information in older people. We tested whether the reliance on structural and semantic heuristics changes with age in 137 Russian-speaking adolescents, 135 young adults, and 77 older adults. In a self-paced reading task with comprehension questions, participants read unambiguous high- versus low-attachment sentences that were either semantically plausible or implausible: i.e., the syntactic structure either matched or contradicted the semantic relations between words. We found that the use of top-down heuristics in comprehension increased across the lifespan. Adolescents did not rely on structural heuristics, in contrast to young and older adults. At the same time, older adults relied on semantic heuristics more than young adults and adolescents. Importantly, we found that top-down heuristic processing was faster than bottom-up algorithmic processing: slower reading times were associated with greater accuracy specifically in implausible sentences.
Algorithmic reparation
Authors: Davis Jenny L. , Williams Apryl , Yang Michael W.
Published: October 2021

Machine learning algorithms pervade contemporary society. They are integral to social institutions, inform processes of governance, and animate the mundane technologies of daily life. Consistently, the outcomes of machine learning reflect, reproduce, and amplify structural inequalities. The field of fair machine learning has emerged in response, developing mathematical techniques that increase fairness based on anti-classification, classification parity, and calibration standards. In practice, these computational correctives invariably fall short, operating from an algorithmic idealism that does not, and cannot, address systemic, Intersectional stratifications. Taking present fair machine learning methods as our point of departure, we suggest instead the notion and practice of algorithmic reparation. Rooted in theories of Intersectionality, reparative algorithms name, unmask, and undo allocative and representational harms as they materialize in sociotechnical form. We propose algorithmic reparation as a foundation for building, evaluating, adjusting, and when necessary, omitting and eradicating machine learning systems.
“AI will fix this” – The Technical, Discursive, and Political Turn to AI in Governing Communication
Authors: Katzenbach Christian
Published: October 2021

Technologies of “artificial intelligence” (AI) and machine learning (ML) are increasingly presented as solutions to key problems of our societies. Companies are developing, investing in, and deploying machine learning applications at scale in order to filter and organize content, mediate transactions, and make sense of massive sets of data. At the same time, social and legal expectations are ambiguous, and the technical challenges are substantial.

This is the introductory article to a special theme that addresses this turn to AI as a technical, discursive and political phenomena. The opening article contextualizes this theme by unfolding this multi-layered nature of the turn to AI. It argues that, whereas public and economic discourses position the widespread deployment of AI and automation in the governance of digital communication as a technical turn with a narrative of revolutionary breakthrough-moments and of technological progress, this development is at least similarly dependent on a parallel discursive and political turn to AI. The article positions the current turn to AI in the longstanding motif of the “technological fix” in the relationship between technology and society, and identifies a discursive turn to responsibility in platform governance as a key driver for AI and automation. In addition, a political turn to more demanding liability rules for platforms further incentivizes platforms to automatically screen their content for possibly infringing or violating content, and position AI as a solution to complex social problems.
For a heterodox computational social science
Authors: Törnberg Petter , Uitermark Justus
Published: October 2021

The proliferation of digital data has been the impetus for the emergence of a new discipline for the study of social life: ‘computational social science’. Much research in this field is founded on the premise that society is a complex system with emergent structures that can be modeled or reconstructed through digital data. This paper suggests that computational social science serves practical and legitimizing functions for digital capitalism in much the same way that neoclassical economics does for neoliberalism. In recognition of this homology, this paper develops a critique of the complexity perspective of computational social science and argues for a heterodox computational social science founded on the meta-theory of critical realism that is critical, methodological pluralist, interpretative and explanative. This implies diverting computational social science’ computational methods and digital data so as to not be aimed at identifying invariant laws of social life, or optimizing state and corporate practices, but to instead be used as part of broader research strategies to identify contingent patterns, develop conjunctural explanations, and propose qualitatively different ways of organizing social life.
An Analysis of e-Governance and Its Impact on the Profitability of MSMEs: A Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Authors: Vashist Raksha Prasad , Arya Ashish , Dhiman Aditya
Published: October 2021

The article studies e-governance and its impact on the performance of MSMEs in India using a structural model. The model contains three main variables: use of e-governance by the MSMEs, the benefits attained by using e-governance (a mediating variable), and the change in performance due to the use of e-governance and benefits attained. The profitability of the firm is a measure of performance in the study. The study was done in collaboration with PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. The data was collected using the survey method, in which a close-ended questionnaire was circulated to the top executives of MSMEs. Out of 3,126 registered MSMEs (registered during FY 2017–2018), 350 random samples were taken into consideration for this study. A response rate of 83.7% was attained. Statistical techniques such as EFA, CFA and SEM have been used in this study to confirm the model, using SPSS and AMOS software. The model proposed in the study fits well both theoretically and empirically in the Indian context, and clearly shows the significant impact of e-governance use on the business performance of MSMEs. The study also shows that the benefits of e-governance have a partial mediating impact on the relationship between e-governance and the profitability of the business. The structured model presented in the study would be useful for practitioners (government bodies, government officials and e-government practitioners) in making vital decisions while designing an effective e-government structure for enterprises.
Critical Success Factors affecting the Restaurant Industry: Insights from Restaurant Managers
Authors: Sharma Bharti , Arora Rakhi , Kharub Manjeet
Published: October 2021

This study identifies, prioritizes and ranks a list of critical factors that impact consumers’ perception of the restaurant industry from a restaurant managers’ perspective. A mixture of the modified-Delphi method and multi-criteria decision-making method, the best-worst method (BWM), is adopted to achieve the study aim. The integrated approach has been employed with the help of seven experts from different units working under Hyderabad Restaurant Industry, India. The study identifies five main and twenty-five sub-categorical factors impacting consumers’ perception of restaurants. In particular, the study offers insights into the restaurant business after implementing a new taxation system (i.e., GST). The ranks showed that 66% of restaurants success depends on two critical factors, that is, ‘food quality’ and ‘cleanness and ambience’. The top choices can be improved by emphasizing the ‘use of fresh ingredient’ and ‘use of regular cleaning and sanitization’. The findings provide managerial and policy insights to direct efforts and resources more efficiently.
To Turn or Not to Turn: Exploring Nurses’ Decision-Making Processes Concerning Regular Turning of Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Yap Tracey L. , Alderden Jenny , Kennerly Susan M. , Horn Susan D. , Rowe Meredeth , Sabol Valerie K.
Published: October 2021

Background: Nursing home (NH) residents are at high-risk for pressure injuries (PrIs), and those living with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) are at even greater risk. Understanding how nursing staff approach repositioning remains critical. Methods: As part of an ongoing clinical trial, this mixed-method prospective, exploratory, descriptive study examined repositioning efforts for PrI prevention. An investigator-developed checklist guided researcher observations, and focus groups revealed staff perspective on resident behaviors and corresponding repositioning approaches. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using the constant comparative coding method. Results: Repositioning observations were conducted for 88 residents. Resident behaviors and nursing approaches were similar between the ADRD ( n = 62, 70%) and non-ADRD ( n = 26, 30%) groups. Thirty-six staff participated in one of six focus group sessions. A conceptual model was developed to depict the repositioning process. Staff revealed care is guided by clinical frameworks and guidelines, along with resident preferences and behaviors. Conclusions: Protocol-driven, standardized PrI prevention care may limit the capacity to honor repositioning preferences. Insights from the focus groups highlight the importance of being cognizant of competing factors that may interfere with successful repositioning. Approaches by staff may be protocol-driven or an integrated method of care.
Why do Dalits Migrate? A Case Study of Neo-bondage in Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Chauhan Komal
Published: October 2021

Drawing on fieldwork in two villages of Muzaffarnagar district of Western Uttar Pradesh, through case studies of brick kiln workers and cane cutters, this article attempts to show how bonded labour is continued in contemporary times. These two groups of brick kiln workers and cane-cutters belong to the Scheduled caste, and their marginalization is manufactured through social exclusion. Debt is used as a tool to sustain and build upon their marginalization by capitalist forces. Through studying the elements of neo-bondage, this article aims to show how Dalits who are at the lowest rung of India’s informal economy are tied down to exploitative and harsh working conditions that reduce their possibility of exit from those conditions. Not undermining debt as a tool of exploitation, it is also argued that bonded labour is often seen as a protective safety net that not only promises the Dalit labourers fixed employment for a stipulated time but also shows them the escape route from financial dependence on the upper caste moneylenders who play havoc in their lives through usury.
The Legend of Ahalya: A Midnight Imposter at the Hermitage
Authors: Ottilingam Somasundaram , Suresh T. R. , Raghavan Vijaya
Published: October 2021

Ideally, domestic life in ancient India is presented as agam in Tamil and samsaran in Sanskrit. Pride of place is given to the women and her marital fidelity is placed on a high level and is considered absolutory non-negotiable. Adultery in the male or female and sexual gratification from the prostitute are condemned. The legend of Ahalya is from the epic Ramayana by Valmiki in Sanskrit and modified by the Tamil poet, Kambar, as Ramavataram in 12th century CE. The seduction by Indra and passive acceptance by Ahalya are mentioned. Male and female marital fidelity should be observed in the family for its mental health and proper child rearing.
Long term follow-up of a phase II study of cladribine with concurrent rituximab with hairy cell leukemia variant
Authors: Chihara Dai , Arons Evgeny , Stetler-Stevenson Maryalice , Yuan Constance , Wang Hao-Wei , Zhou Hong , Raffeld Mark , Xi Liqiang , Steinberg Seth M. , Feurtado Julie , James-Echenique Lacey , Tai Chin-Hsien , Patel Keyur P. , Braylan Raul C. , Calvo Katherine R. , Maric Irina , Dulau-Florea Alina , Kreitman Robert J.
Published: October 2021

Hairy cell leukemia variant (HCLv) responds poorly to purine analogue monotherapy. Rituximab concurrent with cladribine (CDAR) improves response rates, but long-term outcomes are unknown. We report final results of a phase 2 study of CDAR for patients with HCLv. Twenty patients with 0 to 1 prior courses of cladribine and/or rituximab, including 8 who were previously untreated, received cladribine 0.15 mg/kg on days 1 to 5 with 8 weekly rituximab doses of 375 mg/m2 beginning day 1. Patients received a second rituximab course ≥6 months after cladribine, if and when minimal residual disease (MRD) was detected in blood. The complete remission (CR) rate from CDAR was 95% (95% confidence interval, 75-100). Sixteen (80%) of 20 patients (95% confidence interval, 56-94) became MRD negative according to bone marrow at 6 months. The median duration of MRD-negative CR was 70.1 months, and 7 of 16 are still MRD negative up to 120 months. With a median follow-up of 69.7 months, 11 patients received delayed rituximab, and the 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 63.3% and 73.9%, respectively. Five patients with TP53 mutations had shorter PFS (median, 36.4 months vs unreached; P = .0024) and OS (median, 52.4 months vs unreached; P = .032). MRD-negative CR at 6 months was significantly associated with longer PFS (unreached vs 17.4 months; P < .0001) and OS (unreached vs 38.2 months; P < .0001). Lack of MRD in blood at 6 months was also predictive of longer PFS and OS (P < .0001). After progression following CDAR, median OS was 29.7 months. CDAR is effective in HCLv, with better outcomes in patients who achieve MRD-negative CR. This trial is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT00923013.
Cytokine-induced natural killer cell training is dependent on cellular metabolism and is defective in obesity
Authors: Kedia-Mehta Nidhi , Tobin Laura , Zaiatz-Bittencourt Vanessa , Pisarska Marta M. , De Barra Conor , Choi Chloe , Elamin Einas , O’Shea Donal , Gardiner Clair M. , Finlay David K. , Hogan Andrew E.
Published: October 2021

Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of innate immune cells that can rapidly kill cancer cells and produce cytokines such as interferon-γ. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to respond without prior sensitization; however, it is now well established that NK cells can possess memory-like features. After activation with cytokines, NK cells demonstrate enhanced effector functions upon restimulation days or weeks later. This demonstrates that NK cells may be trained to be more effective killers and harnessed as more potent cancer immunotherapy agents. We have previously demonstrated that cellular metabolism is essential for NK cell responses, with NK cells upregulating both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation upon cytokine stimulation. Limiting NK cell metabolism results in reduced cytotoxicity and cytokine production. We have also demonstrated that defective NK cell responses in obesity are linked to defective cellular metabolism. In the current study, we investigated if cellular metabolism is required during the initial period of NK cell cytokine training and if NK cells from people with obesity (PWO) can be effectively trained. We show that increased flux through glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation during the initial cytokine activation period is essential for NK cell training, as is the metabolic signaling factor Srebp. We show that NK cells from PWO, which are metabolically defective, display impaired NK cell training, which may have implications for immunotherapy in this particularly vulnerable group.
Defining obesity hypoventilation syndrome
Authors: Shah Neeraj M. , Shrimanker Sonia , Kaltsakas Georgios
Published: October 2021

With increasing prevalence of obesity, the substantial contribution of obesity hypoventilation syndrome (OHS) to morbidity and mortality is likely to increase. It is therefore crucial that the condition has a clear definition to allow timely identification of patients. OHS was first described as “Pickwickian syndrome” in the 1950s; in subsequent decades, case reports did not clearly delineate between patients suffering from OHS and those suffering from obstructive sleep apnoea. In 1999, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine published a guideline that delineated the cause of daytime hypercapnia as either predominantly upper airway or predominantly hypoventilation. This was the first formal definition of OHS as the presence of daytime alveolar hypoventilation (arterial carbon dioxide tension >45 mmHg) in patients with body mass index >30 kg·m−2in the absence of other causes of hypoventilation. This definition is reflected in the most recent guidelines published on OHS. Recent developments in defining OHS include proposed classification systems of severity and demonstrating the value of using serum bicarbonate to exclude OHS in patients with a low index of suspicion.

Educational aims

To provide an overview of the historical basis of the definition of obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

To explain the rationale for the current definition of obesity hypoventilation syndrome.

To demonstrate areas that need further investigation in defining obesity hypoventilation syndrome.